Troubleshooting Loose Gooseneck Ball on 2019 Ram 3500

Updated 04/26/2025 | Published 08/22/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Ball and Safety Chain Loops Kit for Ram Underbed Gooseneck Hitch - 30K

(1379)

$188.94

Curt Pop-In Ball for Chevy/GM, Ford, Nissan, and Ram Underbed Gooseneck Hitch - 3" - 38K

(151)

$196.82

Question:

2019 ram 3500 with factory gooseneck Curt ball seams to have some slop to it in the receiver, is this normal? Sometimes during braking or acceleration after a stop I hear and feel a “thunk” I have the Curt 60618 OEM Puck sytem

asked by: Michael G

Expert Reply:

There shouldn't be any significant "slop" or play with your Curt Ball # C60618. It sounds like once you lock the ball in place with the integrated lever you are still able to move it quite a bit. However, a little bit of movement is normal.

If you watch the installation video for the Curt ball below starting at the 1 minute mark, you can see how much movement is normal. If it is moving enough for you to hear and feel a "thunk" it sounds like the ball might be damaged and you will need to replace it..

If you find that the ball isn't the problem then you may have a damaged coupler. I'm also not sure how much towing you have done with this trailer. If you just bought it or just started towing with it it is also possible that you have the wrong ball size so I would double check. Using a coupler for a 3" ball with your 2-5/16" ball might explain your problem. If that is the case you would need the # C60634 instead.

expert reply by: Robin H

Randy

3/18/2024

My 2023 Chevy 2500HD has the Curt from the factory. It's loose and has the "Thunk". I had the BW before and zero play in it. Tempted to have the Curt replaced.

Robin H.

3/18/2024

@Randy B&W is popular for a reason and the quality is hard to beat. I always recommend their gooseneck hitch over the Curt for anyone looking to add one. If you decide to make that switch on your 2023 Silverado the correct hitch is the # BWGNRK1020.

Helpful Links

tv-install-b-and-w-underbed-gooseneck-trailer-hitch-2022-chevrolet-silverado-2500-bwgnrk1020.aspx

James

4/26/2025

Hi Robin I recently bought a 2019 Ram 3500 that has this gooseneck hitch installed in it. The lever on top of the ball that's used to connect/disconnect the ball mount from the bed of the truck is missing and looks like it was broken off at some point. The pin that locks the ball in place has a significant amount of rust around it and is completely seized in place. How do I get the ball out? My thoughts are flood, and let soak, the area around the pin (with WD40) at the top of the ball... and then try to hammer the pin up, from the bottom, enough to be able to rotate the pin a quarter turn so it will disengage the locking balls and come out. Does this sound right to you?