How To Remove Gooseneck Ball Stuck In OEM Gooseneck Hitch In 2018 Ram 3500

Updated 05/07/2021 | Published 05/06/2021

Question:

I have a 2018 Ram 3500 with the under bed gooseneck. I recently in December purchased a Curt 38,000# from dealer in Colorado Springs I needed one same day so I couldnt order one, second truck, second trailer for the same day. Long story short, I have not been able to remove it for about a week. The lever pulls up and twists the quarter turn, however, nothing releases. Any ideas for me to remove it? I dont know if something has broken inside or..... I had a 30,000 that sheered off one of the ball bearings several years ago, but I was still able to remove it. Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks

asked by: Kenn J

Helpful Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help.

On the bottom of the hitch ball will be a plastic or aluminum plug. Remove the plug and you will see a bar inside that is used to hold the bearings in place. You will need to rotate the bar 90 degrees to release the bearings, but be careful as the internals of the hitch ball will likely fall out once the bar is turned.

Once the hitch ball is out take a look at all of the components for rust or corrosion that caused it to get stuck. Using a penetrating lubricant and working the handle back in forth may loosen it up making it usable again.

If you aren't sure the safest bet is to go ahead and replace it with the # C60627, and removing the hitch ball when you are done using it or lubricating it every month or so.

I included a video of the # C60627 for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C