What Might Cause Spring Bar Pins to Bend When Removing them From Hangers

Published 03/25/2020

Question:

I have a standard 12000Lb trunnion bar weight distribution hitch with 1,200 pound tongue capacity. I towed my new 37’ 8,500Lb 10,000Lb/1000Lb tongue gross for the first time, empty. When unhooking it to turn in the driveway I needed to use a rubber mallet to remove the pins holding the trunnion bars in place and noticed they were both bent like an “s” shape. I had it set up as per the instructions and used 6 links of chain. I was going with a 2018 ram 2500. Did I just get a cheap hitch or am I doing something wrong ? I now don’t trust the hitch or a direct replacement.

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

When you went to remove the springs bars did you use the trailer jack to lift up on the front of the trailer and relieve the spring bar tension before removing the pins? Or did you attempt to remove them with the spring bars at full tension? If so, that would be the problem that would cause the pins to become damaged.

expert reply by: Jameson C