PopUp Hitch Ball - Operation and Maintenance

CAUTION: Always wear gloves for protection when raising or lowering hitch ball.

1. Read the GUIDELINES FOR SAFE TRAILER TOWING.

2. Raise and Retract the hitch ball with the Actuating Rod located in the driver side rear wheel well. Raise the hitch ball by firmly and swiftly pulling the actuating rod to its maximum extension. Note: Always make certain the hitch ball is fully raised before coupling to a trailer. When the hitch ball is fully raised, a line cut around the neck of the hitch ball is visible at the tube. Never tow without latching the trailer coupler and attaching safety chains. Retract the hitch ball by pushing the Actuating Rod to its seated position.

3. Ball Mechanism Lubrication: With the ball down, apply a generous spray of WD-40 or similar aerosol lubricant around the top of the ball inside the tube. Lubricate the ball mechanism this way when the ball does not work smoothly or after a month of non-use.

Ball and Coupler Lubrication: Coat the ball with a thin film of lithium grease. DO NOT USE a heavy coating of gun or wheel bearing grease. Excess heavy grease does not increase protection. Excess heavy grease will migrate into the tube and make it difficult or impossible to remotely raise and lower the PopUp hitch ball.

4. When the ball is retracted, insert the Plastic Cap (provided) into the tube for protection from accumulation of debris in the top of the tube . The Plastic Cap will pop out when the ball is raised. Protection from debris can also be achieved by leaving the ball in the raised position when a level bed is not required.

 

PopUp Hitch Ball - Trouble-Shooting

1. Ball Will Not RETRACT: DO NOT beat on the Actuating Rod.

The cam may be locked in the raised position because of debris. To free the cam tap the ball forward and rearward using a rubber mallet or piece of wood. This should make it possible to retract the ball. Apply a generous spray of WD-40 or similar aerosol lubricant around the top of the ball inside the tube.

If the Actuating Rod goes in and the ball continues to stay up, the tube may be loaded with heavy grease that has migrated down from the coupler. Put downward pressure on the ball to retract it then apply a generous spray of WD-40 or similar aerosol lubricant around the top of the ball inside the tube to wash-out the excess grease.

2. Ball Will Not RAISE:

Apply a generous spray of WD-40 or similar aerosol lubricant around the top of the ball inside the tube to loosen accumulated grease and grime.

Debris or ice may have been allowed to accumulate in the top of the tube while the hitch ball was retracted and not protected with the Plastic Cap. Insert a 1/4" Eye Bolt in the ball and lift the ball using a screw driver to displace debris and free the ball. Apply a generous spray of WD-40 or similar aerosol lubricant around the top of the ball inside the tube.