Is my hitch ok?

[Tin Hut]

Got a 67 Tradewind that came with slide in ball/hitch and load leveler bars that connect to trailer a-frame. The ball is a bit rusty, including underneath on the thread. The sway/leveler bars have pins thru them that keep the "head" on the bar. When I looked at these clevis type pins they look rusted. Also, one of the clasps? that locks over the bar when you seat it in is missing. I assume this is the original gear and the PO has been towing with it. I just pulled it 1,200 miles but am now wondering how often one should replace this type of gear. Can the ball have metal fatigue and break (even though it hasn't for the past 36 years? I appreciate your thoughts. Jim

[thenewkid64]

The clip pin is not a big deal. I usally carried a spare just in case one got "lost"

The thing to check on the ball is if it is the correct weight range. Sometimes they were replaced in a pinch with an underrated ball. If you are too concerned spend the 20 bucks and get a new one.

If there is no cracking on the hitch head, they are pretty indestructable. On further thought I would get a new ball just for safety. I can think of a couple of stories where the shank failed with no warning.

Wire brush the whole thing and put a frsh coat of rustolem and you will be set.