Receiver Hitch concerns

jdoddad · Sep 19, 2022

I have a 2021 RAM 1500 I bought new. It has 19,000 miles on it. I tow a new Lance travel trailer that has a weight of around 6,000 lbs. when fully loaded. After I towed about three thousand miles this summer I noticed that the hitch pin hole are worn to an egg shaped on both sides. I have contact my dealer and they are giving me a hard time about replacing it under warranty. I certainly did nothing to damage the hitch. I have had several other brands of truck and have towed tens of thousands of miles and have never seen this problem. Has anyone else seen their hitch wear like this?

Scottly · Sep 19, 2022

Not accusing, just stating...The only time I've ever seen that was when the pin was a very loose fit...and I mean, really loose....as in cheaply made pin. For all the things dealers see, I would think they would question it, replace the hitch to make you happy (it ain't that expensive, all things considered), and they suggest something different for you to do. That way, you're happy, they can say they did it and correct the pin issue(if there is one), and everyone walks away a winner....But I guess compromise is something of a lost art.

chopperman1 · Sep 19, 2022

Agree with above, that's from using a 1/2" pin vs the 5/8" it's spec'd for. The receiver is only a bolt on piece to the actual hitch, short money repair.

bm02tj · Sep 19, 2022

Or it missed the heat treating part of manufacturing
Or just bad steel

OrganizedChaos · Dec 11, 2022

I had a 21 RAM 1500 that did the same thing. It had the right pin in it. Guessing the heat treat was bad on a batch of them. Since traded for a 22 2500.

stevenP · Dec 12, 2022

I think I would take that to welding shop and have them re-enforce that for an easy fix.

CLECSoft · Dec 27, 2022

stevenP said:
I think I would take that to welding shop and have them re-enforce that for an easy fix.

Welding a $10 hardened washer on each side would do it.
Alternative would be to place a copper tube which is slightly larger than the pin through the hole and mig/tig weld around the tube.
MIG will not stick to copper so you can drive the tube out after the weld cools. Welding material is much stronger then cold rolled steel.

Receiver Hitch concerns

jdoddad

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