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Old 07-25-2018, 10:41 AM   #1
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Preventative maintenance.....

after 5 years and close to 50,000 miles towing, I'm thinking of replacing my Drawtite hitch receiver and 2" ball with a new one. Metal fatigue as well as other issues may crop up, preventative maintenance is the issue. Does anyone else replace things before they break?
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Old 07-29-2018, 04:50 PM   #2
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Does anyone replace their receiver and ball after years of towing? I'm thinking of metal fatigue?
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Old 07-29-2018, 05:29 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
Does anyone replace their receiver and ball after years of towing? I'm thinking of metal fatigue?
I always get confused with terminology. Isn't the receiver the square tube that mounts to the car? The ball mount is the square metal piece that goes into the receiver and has a place to mount the ball?

I have no clue what the rule of thumb is, but I've never considered replacing any of these components for fatigue. I've replaced a few because I've lost them, but not to failure. :-) They look to have a lot more metal than other components, like the trailer frame. I suspect Escapes have a relatively low tongue weight, and overall weight.

It'll be interesting to hear from someone with knowledge though.

Thanks.
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Old 07-29-2018, 05:31 PM   #4
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You are correct, I'm thinking my ball mount and ball with close to 40,000 miles towing may be due to be replaced?
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Old 07-29-2018, 05:42 PM   #5
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I towed close to 100,000 miles using the same ball & hitch with my 17B. Lighter than a 19 or 21, but while I do check it for wear, I've never seen signs of it. One thing that a couple have mentioned is broken lock washers on the ball connection. Didn't happen to me, but worth checking.
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Old 07-29-2018, 06:27 PM   #6
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My ball opening has signs of being widened by the hitch ball. I assume that the hitch ball is harder metal than the ball mount. Can not decide to replace the complete set up for $200 or buy another Andersen which are now close to $500....if I remember correctly, the 21 towed a lot nicer with the Andersen. I'll check with Trademasters also.
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