Switch Ball Trailer Ball Set (1-7/8", 2" & 2-5/16" Balls, 1" x 2-1/4" Shank) #42225

Use lithium grease, had this for years, never had a problem

Like the prior two reviews, I too was having an overall good experience with my set and then the 2" ball head got stuck on the shank. It took lots of force along with lubricant to remove the ball head. I have used all three ball head sizes which is what attracted me to this set. I recently used the 2 5/8" ball head and it too got stuck on the shank. This time, I have not been able to remove it.
When not in use, I kept the ball heads off the shank and in the original packaging. The entire set was always kept in the built-in storage area in the rear of my Yukon XL.
Upon Curt being notified of my experience, they promptly reached out offering to resolve my issues.
I really liked the concept of the product, but because of the balls getting stuck, I would only give the product itself a 2 star review at this time.
My ultimate rating is 3 stars because of the promptness and willingness of the customer service team to work with me to find a solution.
Hopefully Curt's engineers can find a fix to the design so future customers do not experience the same issues the I did.

Had the switch ball for about 3 weeks and used the 2 5/16" ball on several occasions. I used the 2" ball to tow my 19' ski boat to the lake and then was not able to remove the ball from the shaft. I was finally able to get the ball turned and then could knock it off the shaft with a hammer. The 2" ball will not go back on the shaft but I can still use the 2 5/16" ball. I would not recommend this product, I am not the only one to have this problem.

I have owned and used the curt switch ball set for about 2 years. It has been a very good product till about a month ago. Let me say that about 95% of the time I use the 2 inch ball. Occasionally I use the 2 5/16 ball. I don't think I have ever used the smaller ball. When not in use, I keep the balls in my toolbox out of the weather. I keep the shank covered with a rubber curt shank cover. I live in South Carolina so it may get hot but not extremely cold.

About a month ago I put the 2 inch ball on the shank and pulled my trailer as I have done dozens of time before. At the end of the day I attempted to remove the ball. It was not easy to do but after generous amounts of grease and lots of muscle it came off. It was late in the day and I kinda forgot about it.

About a week ago I needed my trailer again. Remembering my issues, I inspected the shank and ball. All seemed OK. I put a fresh coating of wd40 on the shank and installed the ball. Life was good until it was time to remove it. I did everything I could think of. I used grease, leverage, and brute force. No results.

Finally I used a screw driver in the little hole on the side of the ball and beat it with a hammer till the ball turned. When lined up with the groove I used the hammer to force the ball off the shank.

Again I inspected the ball, shank, and grooves. Nothing looked out of place. I decided I would see if either of the other two balls would slide on the shank. Neither of them seemed willing and I was not about to force them.

I am very disappointed at the point. This whole idea of switching the balls when needed seems like an elegant solution to a common issue. At this point, I either have to purchase a whole new set and see how long it might last this time or go back to the "old" way of just switching out the whole hitch. If anyone else has had this issue and found a solution, I would love to hear about it.