Tips To Help Remove A Stuck Reese Pop-In Gooseneck Ball On A 2016 Ford F-350 Super Duty

Updated 11/04/2024 | Published 01/03/2023

Question:

The handle is stuck and will not pop up. I would appreciate any suggestions. Had similar situation with the Curt ball on my other truck and was eventually able to get the lever to disengage the bearings. I dont like these systems and have ordered a BandW ball from etrailer.com to replace. Ill replace this one, too, with the BandW ball if I can get the ball out.

asked by: Ross L

Expert Reply:

While this is not a super common issue, this has happened before in the past and we do have a couple of solutions you can try to free up your stuck Curt Pop-In Ball for Factory Ford and Ram Underbed Gooseneck Hitches # C60601.

If the hitch ball has been left inside your gooseneck hitch for more than 5 months, rust may have built up, which could be contributing to the ball not being able to be released. You will need to use some spray lubricant like WD-40 to help loosen up the hitch ball.

However, before that I recommend looking for and removing an aluminum or plastic plug that is located at the bottom of the OEM hitch. Once removed this should allow you to retract the locking mechanism and be able to remove the hitch ball.

expert reply by: Bryce D

Alvin

11/2/2024

I have a 2017 factory Ford gooseneck hitch as a part of their puck system. The ball has rusted to the point that I cannot get the balls on the side of the gooseneck ball to retract. I soaked it in WD40 and Blaster extensively. Also banged it good with a 5# hammer. The ball rotates in the sleeve, but will not release. Went under the truck but there is a steel plate covering the bottom part of the ball assembly - so no access to work from below. Suggestions?

Bryce D.

11/4/2024

@Alvin Apart from what you've already done, no unfortunately. I'd suggest reaching out Curt and see if they have any other suggestions that might help.