Superglide Hitch Parts Wearing Out

[tsetsaf]

Wondering how many Superglide owners out there have ever had to replace major structural parts of their hitch. I have an original style 16K Superglide that has worked flawlessly since we bought it. During routine servicing I noticed that one side of the Rocker Arm assembly main pivot hole was elongated (egged out). This is that large long bolt that is located under your king pin.

Contacted Pulliam and they want $240 for just the Rocker Arm assembly. I asked if this is a normal wear item and they responded "if you use your hitch frequently it can happen". My question is, is it normal for major structural parts of your hitch to wear out?

(Side note: one further review I found their current warranty terms which I imagine were similar for my older hitch too. "PULLIAM ENTERPRISES, INC. hereinafter referred to as “PULLIAM”, warrants to the first retail owner only, this PullRite towing system
to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five (5) years or 31,068 miles (50,000 km) after the installation
on purchaser’s vehicle, whichever occurs first." Never realized they only cover the hitch for up to 31k miles.)

On final note - after doing additional research it appears that this type of wear is actually pretty normal; referred to in the heavy equipment industry as "pivot wear". I have found a number of alternative repair procedures that will fix my existing parts without having to pay $240 for a replacement that will last 30k miles.

[alboy]

I have the 18k Hijacker autoslide, similar hitch,i just replaced the same parts, pins included, 500.00 bucks canadian from demco.Approx 45000 miles towing a 14700 lb fiver.

[b_pilot]

I had a 16k SuperGlide for 7 years and probably had over 40,000 miles of pulling with the hitch. Never had to replace any parts, including the way tubes.

[tsetsaf]

Vulcaneer pretty much hit it on the head. The other method is to drill out the entire hole, insert a sleeve, and weld it in place.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

tsetsaf wrote:



On final note - after doing additional research it appears that this type of wear is actually pretty normal; referred to in the heavy equipment industry as "pivot wear". I have found a number of alternative repair procedures that will fix my existing parts without having to pay $240 for a replacement that will last 30k miles.

You might document the source for the *repair procedures* you found for readers who might encounter similar problems with their hitches.

I'm sure the info ill be appreciated!.:)

BTW - No problems here yet - although mine dates from 2005, it doesn't have thousands of miles on it.

Re-post and tell how the repairs go..:C

~

[Vulcaneer]

I have over 31,068 Miles on my SuperGlide. No structural parts have needed replacement.

For repair of the pivot hole, I might drill it out and then put a couple shouldered bushings in it, from either end. The bushings will have longer support interface, so the bolt probably will not wear the bushings any faster than wearing out the steel. But even if the bushings do wear faster, you can just replace the bushings for a couple of dollars.