Thread: Help - D3 Removable Tow Hitch

I once had a similar problem with mine - I did similar to what you have done (lubricated and tapped it with a hammer etc) and eventually I could get the pin to retract.

It's a frustrating device at the best of times.

I'll go and have a look at mine now and see if i can give you any pointers.

With the green handle facing you:
1. Insert key and turn clockwise.
2. Pull green handle out to expose the red circle under and on the inside of the handle.
3. Rotate the green handle anti-clockwise until the locking pin is fully in the tounge.
The little pin on top is to hold it in while you struggle to put the hitch in the receiver.
However it is best to do this as it sometimes will not release.
Best to put unit in the vise and try first.
Painful at the best of times.

IvanR

The green plastic will twist with or without locking . It's just the last
part of the turn that retracts the locking pin and required the key
to enable that last 20 degrees or so. It's a tough twist , so you maybe
fooled into thinking it's locked . The pin DOESN'T need to locked-in , to
refit the rubbish . You can hold it retracted with a firm twist. Grease it
all with moly , and it maybe a little easier next time , since the pin
sort-of-fuses with the fitting hole sometimes. It's a total POS !

Thanks one and all for the help. The key is now cactus due to the constant jiggling back and forth in my ham fisted attempts to try and get the lock to rotate. I tried giving the tongue a tap with a calibrated knockometer while I was turning the handle but that was a total bust.

I'll give it another go tomorrow to see if it will go the extra bit but I think I'll look at getting a replacement. It really is a POS.

I'll look at the Mitchell Bros one.

Thanks again for the assist.

Mike

Mine was pretty-much siezed after not having been removed for 18 months but drenching with WD40 daily for about a week eventually freed-up everything.

Originally Posted by Graeme

Mine was pretty-much siezed after not having been removed for 18 months but drenching with WD40 daily for about a week eventually freed-up everything.

Thanks Graeme. I've gave it a drench with the WD. I might grab a couple of litres of kero and drop it into that for few days and see how it goes.

Loz rolled her eyes and shook her head when I told her I'd "broken" the key.

Anyone got any idea how much a new hitch receiver is worth? If I can't get it working I may be up for a new one if the repair cost is more than 60% of replacement.

Mike

Originally Posted by Mike&Loz

Anyone got any idea how much a new hitch receiver is worth? If I can't get it working I may be up for a new one if the repair cost is more than 60% of replacement.

Mike

Mike,

I'm in Perth and have a 2nd-hand D3 receiver. PM me if you want it. If you're going to buy new, get the D4 one - it's better and retro-fits the D3.

Cheers,

Gordon

I think I've read somewhere that the lock can be removed with force and that a new barrel is available.