PullRite hitch - repaired damaged component

[one_strange_tex]

I had to repair the lock lever assembly on my PullRite. Pictures of the damage are shown below. This is what I call the "trigger" which the pin contacts and trips the spring loaded lock to hook and secure the pin. I assume it was damaged when we tried to re-hitch with the king pin too high due to approaching on an upward slope, causing the lock lever trigger portion to contact the bigger diameter section at the bottom of the pin rather than the smaller diameter section that the lock is intended to hook around. I noticed the pin then started to catch a little as I drove out after pulling the lever and unhitching at subsequent stops. I inspected it and noted the damage.
I called PullRite to see if it was covered by warranty. They did not have my warranty registration on file, but offered to send me a replacement kit free of charge after I described the damage. Kudos to PullRite!
I am certainly no master mechanic, but I was able to complete the repair myself. It requires taking the plate assembly off the hitch, undoing two springs, removing a push nut then changing out the part with new washers & push nut included in the kit.
We have resolved to watch the pin placement more carefully, especially on site with sloped access. We normally hitch with the king pin low, causing it to "ride up" on the plate assembly. Apparently we did not do it correctly when we damaged the part.

[one_strange_tex]

Campinfan wrote:
Nice job taking it apart and fixing it....really looks like it had to have been hit hard to bend like that. Kudos to Pull Rite for sending the part to you. Was is hard to replace?

I don't think the piece was hit hard, just with an irresistible force, that of the powerful truck backing into the hitch where the piece was in the way due to its orientation.

It was not hard to replace. The plate assembly is removed by removing the pins on each side (secured with cotter pins). It is somewhat heavy. Turn it upside down on a work surface to access the lock lever assembly. Disconnect the two springs and remove the lock lever assembly by removing the push nut securing it (the trickiest step in the whole operation. Done with a putty knife, chisel and/or screwdriver. Google/YouTube for hints) and removing and replacing the part and associated washers correctly, The repair kit from PullRite comes with instructions.

One of my main reasons for this post was to give proper credit to PullRite for their handling of the situation.

[twindman]

I found them to be extremely helpful with problems. Also they gave me a hitch plate when I stopped by - my dealer installed the wrong one!! I think that is about $100.

[agesilaus]

I had the same thing happen to my Pullrite. From high hitching was my guess. I took the top of the hitch to a local dealer, they replaced the part and installed it all paid for by Pullrite. Likewise hats off to Pullrite, very easy to deal with on the phone too.

[Campinfan]

Nice job taking it apart and fixing it....really looks like it had to have been hit hard to bend like that. Kudos to Pull Rite for sending the part to you. Was is hard to replace?