dixoncider
socal
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Joined: 05/13/2007
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When I got home I had to disconnected it so I dont think It came off or was not locked,I have the pin that goes into the lever so I must be down to go thru. I guess I may never know what caused the damage for sure. I got a new ball a putnam 24,000. Do you all think the coupler has another trip in it by looking at the pictures?? Could I take a dremel tool and little sanding wheel to it a smooth it out??? I guess I know I need a new coupler.
* This post was
edited 07/01/08 07:21am by dixoncider *
94 Ram 2500 Diesel
06 Ram 3500 Mega CTD Jake Brake
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mrsmokey
MA>,02379
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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If it was mine I would junk that coupler ..
SMOKEY
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dixoncider
socal
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I am going to put a new one on but I would like to figure out why it happened to avoid it in the future.
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Bigburd
Tennessee
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Joined: 12/07/2006
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Had this happen to my ball last year on a 2400 mile trip to the Keys. Ball actually came loose. Correct ball size per the TT dealer. The only thing I noticed was the watery grease on the ball. Apparently the heat along with the friction broke it down. Replacing the "Special" ball grease with the red bearing stuff, keeping all nuts tight and an eye on the ball, replace the ball when wearing shows.
07' Ford F-250 SD 6.0L
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QCMan
Long Island, New York
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Joined: 12/19/2005
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First, neither of the parts is hardened steel so gouging and scoring are very easy. Second, heed the cues of the above posters that suggest cleaning and regreasing on a regular basis due to dirt collecting in the grease. It looks like your coupler needs a lot of work with a die grinder to get that ridge out of it and the ball is not in a lot better shape except for the fact that most of the ball damage is a gouge and not a ridge.
Cut the shank off of the ball and lock it into the new coupler when the TT is in storage. You just bought yourself a new security device. By the way, do not get a Zinc plated ball as they tend to gall up quicker due to the softness of the plating. The best choice is stainless and the next is a quality chromed ball.
2004 Starcraft Aruba 25RS, 2004 Dodge Dakota SLT. Just the two of us, 2 Jacks and a desire to roam!
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Airstreamer67
Pineville, LA USA
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I think the key to your problem is the hit your rig took on the highway. Any shock enough to get "air" is a big one. I've heard of damage to hitches from such circumstances.
My guess is that the hitch separated from the ball at the time of the event. It may have ridden on top of the ball for a while, thus creating the deep gorge. Later, it may have slipped back over the ball, thus you didn't notice it when you unhitched.
It's amazing the type of shock our rigs are subjected to, especially at the speed we're traveling and the sorry shape of some of our highways. Although the dirty grease theory has merit, I don't think it could create such severe damage, but would gradually grind-down the metal over many thousands of miles.
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Rumtan
Alberta
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Im guessing its from turning right (assuming the pic shows the face direction) and the latch that you close on the ball maybe set at an angle.....see if there is any wear on the inside latch clasp.
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dixoncider
socal
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I have to agree with you the the bump had to be the problem. All this damage occurred and 84 mile trip.
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dixoncider
socal
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The clasp looks fine all the damage is to the top of the coupler. I am going to call the manufacture right now and see what the deal is.
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JJBIRISH
Butler, PA, USA
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Joined: 10/06/2002
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there are three things is see...
one - the ball backed into and hit the coupler at some point and is not round any longer... could have been the beginning of some abnormal ware...
two - there was some foreign matter in the grease to do that much damage one one trip, I do not clean mine every time I disconnect and neither do I know anyone that will, so maybe we are all lucky, or if I were you I wouldn't waste my money on the numbers this week...
three - it looks like the coupler is hitting the hitch... you may need a ball with a taller shoulder than the one you are holding...
it will make another trip, but most likely will damage another ball while doing it... but I doubt it will completely fail on you... but you are right, replacement is in order...
Love my mass produced, entry level, built by Lazy American Workers, Hornet
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