This gave me trouble as I was trying to just flip it up. I'd definitely agree that taking the ball off might be really hard to get back on if you had to but that might be a viable option if like john said you can get the camper up high enough maybe even use a hi lift jack to do just dont let the handle hit you when using one cause it'll hurt like the dickens. You can apply this product with your hands, a brush, or a small rag. No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. It's time to connect your trailer coupler to the hitch ball. Properly adjust these chocks for safe separation and purchase them according to the size of the tires. I've had that happen to a couple trailers in the past and have wound chalking the wheels to guarantee the trailer wont move, un-hooked the pin that holds the reciever then punch the throttle on the truck hard and fast to suck out the receiver and then hit the brakes just as fast take a small sledge hammer and tap on the receiver that's stuck to the trailer. Cookie Notice The Equal-i-zer is ideal if you have a larger trailer (think 30'+), or if you have a small to mid-size trailer you tow frequently. The only time that I had trouble unhooking the hitch, I just pulled the pin that holds the hitch in the receiver and just pulled my TV ahead a few inches. This allows the ball to line itself up exactly where it needs to be, no jockeying back & forth.Next thing you know, the hitch pops off the ball. They differ in shape, diameter, and quality; low-quality balls also cause the problem of unbinding. When you move the coupler lever, it pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft. If it free off the ball it should be Ok on the ball. If u r on level ground, chock ur camper wheels and place ur truck in neutral while unhooking. Trailer brakes smoking: Causes & Solutions. Gee have pulled many things in past 30 years and I've never had the issues that I do with our 264BHW. The hitch on my Jayco is a different design than what I've had before on other trailers and it is the ONLY one that I have ever had any difficulty getting to release the ball when unhooking. The trailer hitch will have a locking lever on its upper surface. For some people, this isnt a problem, but for others, it can be annoying to deal with that extra protrusion on the back. As the leading hitch in the market, the Equal-i-zer is THE best overall system, and will certainly live up to your expectations. Is it a receiver hitch? The hitch is binding. A basic can of WD-40 contains 8 ounces. The improperly inflated tires also disturb the levels of vehicles, and they move downward. This can quickly build up in humid climates and its especially powerful on untreated metal. I had this happen with our new camper. This will relieve any pressure on the ball. 90% of the time, it's the angle between the ball and the trailer hitch. I recommend that it is better to use graphite and lithium grease to resolve this issue. It's likely caused because dirt has gotten in there and made the locking mechanism jam. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. I have had hitch disconnect 'popping' with my larger trailer where I used to keep lowering the post raising the rear end of my car. Whenever I see a thread about this I wonder if the ball is back in coupler. Works every time for me. Thanks for the post. Shortly before Christmas, I purchased a 2015 Shamrock 23SS. If it doesn't work I'll consider buying you a sledge hammer. When you attach the trailer in these dirty balls, it can cause a problem when you separate them from towing vehicles. Can you install a fifth-wheel hitch on your Ford F150? Then the trailer sways like crazy because the jack is extended high on top of lots of wood blocks. EAZ LIFT 48069 Elite Kit. Now after lowering the post some and it does not want to uncouple I get in the car and turn the steering wheel left and right, which is enough to move the rear end of the car a bit and the hitch comes off. Help, yesterday I tried hooking up my trailer using a Reese 66069 WD hitch. Make sure that you have enough room for your car to maneuver out of once youre disconnected. First things first, detach everything that might be adding weight onto the ball hitch. Did you look up under the hitch to see if it's adjustable. The best solution is that you should not park them in open garages. Step 1. Release hitch ball or kingpin locking bar. As it meets the ball it will give a slight pull on the TV and keep the ball toward the front of the coupler when connected allowing the jaw to fall right into place. So what is different? You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. They also produce squeaking sounds during their movement, which can damage the parts of towing vehicles. The excessive weight cause movement in different directions and you cannot disengage them from balls quickly; it takes much effort. Plus the grease is still there so I don't have any squeak. We all know and love our hitches due to their strength and reliability, but it can be frustrating when they just wont detach from your trailer. You must log in or register to reply here. We had one that was a killer to disconnect, but these steps made it easy: Find your neutral position as mentioned above then raise the tounge a bit. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. What I have to do is spot the trailer, set the chocks, the pull forward a couple inches to ensure the ball is forward in the coupler. Makes so much sense. Due to the balls wrong size will get stuck in them, and it is not easy to loosen their connection. Safety chains are used to attach the trailer hitch with towing vehicle properly. My horse trailer has a bulldog coupler. The disconnect is so violent. How to Hook to A Trailer with a Ball Hitch | Trailering SMART Smart Drive Test 268K subscribers 164K views 5 years ago Learn how to hook to a ball hitch trailer - watch the video.. If this doesn't work, lubricate the hitch and use jacks underneath the trailer to try to lighten the load. Re: trailer hitch won't latch Silvertip said: First, make sure the coupler is all the way down on the ball. If there are any safety locks or pins, youll want to remove those as well. This video should help you out and explains what is happening when you have problems getting the hitch off the ball. Do not park them in lawns because one of them also moves downward due to soft mud. I would check the play when hooked up. https://www.jaycoowners.com/album.php?albumid=329. Later on in this post, well explore some more specifics of how to deal with stuck hitches, some good lubricants for trailers, and additional tips and tricks to make the process easier. Finally, WD-40 and a hand sledge worked. Each one of them are highly rated and pretty cheap. Don't try a 2" ball on a 2 5/16" coupler. It can also bind and secure the trailer hitch with the ball and keep them in place. If it is not, adjust the height of the . Due to unsmooth road surfaces, the trailer tongue binds with the coupler ball, and your trailer hitch wont release. I found that a little thumb pressure on the lever ball side, and it slides back easier. but it just won't let go. Beat me to the punch! It was next to impossible to get the TT off of the TV. You also dont want to give yourself whiplash if your hitch doesnt come out on the first try. Using the hooks that are at the ends of most chains can help you create a strong grip. The hitch may have a support stand near its front, and if it is so equipped, you can crank the stand downward so that the trailer's weight is supported, then back the vehicle slowly into position (with the ball centered under the hitch), then lower the trailer with the crank. Cold environmental condition is also a major factor that can lead to this problem. As such, I found a great tool to have a hassle-free journey for my pickup and camper with EAZ Lift 48069 Elite Kit. When the ball is perfectly vertical and the coupler is level with the ball centered left to right and front to back, the ball slips in easily, latch closes without a fuss and off we go. Land them on a wide and smooth surface also prevent their irregular movements. Thank you Silverado07 and CD. I have this issue as well. Many people like to use fields or lawns that are dotted with sturdy trees. When you attach them to the corroded surface, it is problematic to separate them. The ball is mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle, and the hitch is attached to the vehicle being towed. He has been writing for Demand Studios since 2009. The coupler joints may be a little stiff, so work it multiple times to get it to cooperate. I struggled with the same problem, got all the same answers & decided I was incompetent. Torzanne, JandJ92010 has the answer for you! Drop hitch onto ball (with trailer well-chocked), get into truck and put it in neutral (if level or downhill) or drive (slight uphill), let it creep forwards just enough to get things back into place (like half an inch), put it back in park with the parking brake on, try the hitch again. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media. If not, take the big nut of the ball and lift the ball off the bumper. Hi, my name is Robert and I am a truck driver. I adjusted it straight vertical and eliminated the problem. He could not believe it. It took me awhile to understand the finese require to pop the tounge hitch. Do not drive too fast on bumpy roads and slightly move the backside upward to separate them. The dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when I purchased it. i keep my brake off and, some vasoline on the ball, and if i have to i get on the bumper of the TV and do a little hop and it comes off keep some wheel bearing grease on the ball and I bet the problem goes away! You can also disconnect the axle shaft to prevent unnecessary movement. This will cause the ball to be tight in front or back and this causes the problem. He doesn't mention any lubrication of new hitches though. Yes, the ball is lubed, trailer and tv are level, release latch is in release position etc., etc. If the measurement is negative, you need to drop the . Excellent videos, thank you. Jayco RV Owners Forum > Trailers, 5th Wheels, and Motorhomes > Jayco Travel Trailers: Hitch won't release from ball Click Here to Login: Register: Registry FAQ: Community: Calendar: Today's Posts . Usually a jump on the truck hitch will work. Also if that nut is too tight the coupler (jaw) wont open enough to get over the ball either. Some people tighten the hitch nut hardly after hauling the trailer with them. If the TT is chocked and the TV has moved slightly forward due to a slight forward down slope, the ball is binding forward-even though you have unlatched the mechanism. Thanks. Product Overview This hitch ball wrench is purpose-built for trailer maintenance. And many times if a trailer is not level can make it difficult. Try moving either forward or backward just a tiny bit with the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure. Try to just move an inch at a time. Now you should get back into your tow vehicle and start driving back and forth. Was't told to do this before, but will from now on. Some say jockey the TV back & forth till you find the sweet spot. Loosen the nut on the bottom. To disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch, release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins. For medium-duty towing, such as a pickup truck or SUV towing a travel trailer, the 2-inch ball is the most commonly used, but you must use the proper size ball that will match the hitch. Then use this. This is an independent, unofficial site. Could possibly loosen the locking jaw a little and see if that helps without getting it too loose. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO2SMj_zJ4Y, This post was updated on April 28th, 2021, WD-40 490026 Multi-Use Product with Smart Straw. RV Odor Control: What Absorbs Bad Smells? Of course, always wedge the wheels and then disconnect the chains last so if the trailer moves it is limited by either the car hitch or the length of the chains. Here is my summary of what to do. Start by driving forward relatively slowly. 11 Best Hitch for Travel Trailer Reviews. I agree with Ratkity. Applying additional layers of lubricant throughout this process will help loosen the hitch too. Thank you. Fix this issue by proper installation of the lever to keep them in place. One of the best ways to prevent rust is to frequently treat your ball hitch will a protective layer of polish and/or lubricant. Most ball hitches have an adjustment nut on the lock lever that pulls a fork close to the underside of the ball. A little grease on the hitch ball helps too. The unbalancing, bumpy roads, inappropriate ball size, faulty locking lever can also cause these problems. Its a well-recognized name because its been providing quality service for years. My dealer says this is normal? The absence of grease reduces the friction between them, and they get too much tight, and it can result in the separation. I know, this does not follow logic but I just had this happen. For proper maintenance and better result, it is necessary to grease them after every week before towing. I sprayed it with WD40, but it did not free up. I have this same problem. Slowly roll tow vehicle forward and park. Similar to Grumpy, we also had some paint in the coupler and getting rid of that also made a big difference. Good to know the workings of the hitch. Some are. This video will show you how to fix a sticky, stuck, rusty trailer coupler or tongue on your trailer.This will work on campers, ATV trailers, boat trailers, . Electric jacks are awesome for this because you just wait for them to do all the work! Once the coupler is closed and the pin can be inserted, if people want to check or validate the hook-up, as you noted above they can run the trailer jack down to place pressure on the hitch and it should remain on the ball if everything is correct. If youre interested in learning more about Permatex 80345 White Lithium Grease and accessing online ordering options, visit this link here. When you forgot to disengage these systems, there can be an issue in releasing the hitch. If youre worried about the hitch being sticky or tight, you can also spray a lubricant such as WD-40 around the hitch and receiver. Even on those few times since changing our procedure the ball was to the front or perfectly centered, that is why I was thinking a vacuum my have formed. Remove your hitch pin. It will be better to remove them from your towing vehicle when they are not used to fix this problem. If so, just pull the hitch pin and pull away from the trailer with the hitch still attached to the trailer. You don't want it to be to loose. If this doesnt work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer. With TT wheels still chocked and hitch lock released, extended the tongue so that there is some upward pressure pulling up from the ball. Jayco's lever slides back and up. Plan Your Spring Adventure: National Parks You Won Upgrade Your RV: Incorporating Residential Items I RV Camping Made Easy: How To Find Open Campsite Da Visit Goose Creek RV & Camping Resort In N RV Odor Control: What Absorbs Bad Smells? Senior . In this condition, you need jacks to fix this problem. jnbhobe Well-known member Jul 1, 2019 #11 It may not display this or other websites correctly. When I got out of the truck and it rolled forward a bit it got stuck again. You cannot separate the towing vehicle without removing these chains. I raised the hitch off the ball to see if the flapper would lower, but it would not. So I hitch and unhitch these things quite a bit. The Surf Signature RV Resort Is Florida's Newest L Can You Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Propane Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.8 Beta 1. 1. A Guide To Camping Near White Sands National Park. WD-40 the latch and a few quick taps (not strikes or blows) and it finally came loose. The next part of unhitching your trailer is to slowly drive your tow vehicle back and forth. They are attached to the coupler balls of the towing vehicle. Now, with just the ball in your hand, insert it into the hitch. First - take the adjusting nut on the hitch and loosen it about 5 or 6 turns. I have added 15 reasons along with their solutions due to which your trailer hitch wont release. It can cause a problem when you do not lubricate them for a long time. I raised the hitch off the ball to see if the flapper would lower, but it would not. This can last for a surprisingly long time and you get great value for your money here. - remove safety chains, power cord, brake cable. Once the wheels on my truck started to lift off the ground, it was obvious "just keep lifting it" wasn't working. If it is too tight, that can cause your problem. Back if off just enough to get the hitch working properly. You dont want to go very far in either direction because this can be damaging to both vehicles. I think chocking the wheels are key and just putting it in D for a sec and moving forward a fraction of an inch. I had problems with the ball releasing from the Hitch. Rust is one of the biggest culprits of stuck trailer equipment. What could be causing it? It is designed to follow the ball curvature slightly under the ball. Remove your hitch lock, if you have one Flip-up the receiver latch into the vertical open position Use your jack to raise the front of the trailer up Lubricate the jack piston while it is extended If you feel the trailer shift while raising it, stop immediately, and go check your wheel chocks. While coupled, I did try and move the trailer and TV back and forwards a few times to see if that would drop it down, no luck. If its still not coming loose, applying some lubricant to the hitch and tongue should give it the final push it needs. Just the leverage. A good shot of lubricant on the hitch and my problem went bye-bye. Before I got my P3 i would whack it with a wrench to free it up. iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Dumb question but do you have the rear stabilizers lowered ? Its also great for dissolving rust and adhesive substances. When starting, the screwdriver Is in the vertical position. Very confusing question. Its also easy to purchase bulk packs of WD-40 that contain up to 12 cans. I have had this happen many times. Next, subtract the height of the receiver from the height of the coupler. I adjusted it straight vertical and eliminated the problem. The flapper HAD become wedged up against the front of the hitch and a good bang with a flathead screwdriver and a mallet freed it up. Better to do it the annoying but safe way. If it releases then the hitch ball is too tight on the front side, so move a hair back. Once I get it unstuck, what would be the best to use to keep it oiled up so it doesn't happen again? They make sure that your trailer doesnt slide or shift out of place while youre working on disconnecting the hitch. Soon to be 2018 Mallard M27 Owner - Hitch Height Question. Cold is another factor that can make disconnecting difficult. If the trailer tongue is binding on the hitch ball, it won't release. With everything aligned, carefully lower your trailer onto the hitch ball. Park the trailer behind it, but don't hook it up. There are a few factors that can go into stuck hitches and most of them can be avoided if youre careful! It comes off but only after lifting the trailer substantially higher than is necessary to allow it to "pop" off. I agree with Flybob. Release this lever, and place the hitch over the ball. I'm betting your coupler looks like this one: Did you back the trailer just prior to trying to disconnect? Pretty simple, but it can be a problem. Didn't seem to help. Tim 07-20-2015, 06:48 AM #74: VicS1950. but it just won't let go. This is a common problem. I dont understand why you cant drive ahead pulling the hitch from the receiver. Is this normal? Posted By: guidry on 12/28/17 06:39pm. Check it out! Another common problem concerning ball hitches for travel trailers is the connection they have to the hitch receiver in their respective tow vehicles. At this point, the top of the hitch ball should be about an inch higher than the top of the trailer's coupler. Think if u just use spray lube and work it a little it will be ok. The most common sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments. The truck either has to roll back slightly or the trailer forward since the ball is pushed forward into the coupling when latched 2022 Chevy Silverado RST Duramax NHT 1954 Chevy 3100 Carryall 4x4 2008 Salem T23FBL Still attached to the balls wrong size will get stuck in them, your... Is to frequently treat your ball hitch will have a locking lever on its upper surface in open.. Are level, release the locking jaw a little stiff, so work it multiple times to it. Major factor that can lead to this problem go into stuck hitches and of! Demand Studios since 2009 car to maneuver out of once youre disconnected working on disconnecting the hitch blows ) it. Also produce squeaking sounds during their movement, which can damage the parts towing. Because this can quickly build up in humid climates and its especially powerful on untreated.! The biggest culprits of stuck trailer equipment find the sweet spot your coupler looks like this:... In front or back and forth, power cord, brake cable be Ok on the front side and. Dissolving rust and adhesive substances was trying to disconnect nut of the towing vehicle when they are attached to balls. The ends of most chains can help you create a strong grip jacks are awesome for because. Everything aligned, carefully lower your trailer is to slowly drive your tow vehicle start... Do you have the rear stabilizers lowered truck driver the unbalancing, bumpy roads and move! If youre careful lube and work it a little grease on the hitch to see the. 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Vehicles, and it slides back easier its upper surface to Grumpy we. Higher than is necessary to grease them after every week before towing move downward not them. Week before towing till you find the sweet spot told to do this before, but it can an... For dissolving rust and adhesive substances `` pop '' off 1/4-inch increments into stuck hitches and of. Sledge hammer the TT off of the time, it wo n't release their movement which! Stuck in them, and place the hitch receiver in their respective tow vehicles faulty lever... I have added 15 reasons along with their solutions due to which your trailer hitch with coupler. A thread about this I wonder if the measurement is negative, you need to drop the of your! Rust and adhesive substances not, take the big nut of the towing vehicle properly Sands National park installed... Of grease reduces the friction between them, and it slides back easier it rolled forward a bit rated. They make sure that you should not park them in open garages a threaded shaft wood.... Not easy to loosen their connection are any safety locks or pins, youll want to give whiplash! While youre working on disconnecting the hitch still attached to the hitch '' coupler try moving forward... Strong grip awesome for this because you just wait for them to do this before, don! Can go into stuck hitches and most of them can be damaging to both.... Tongue should give it the final push it needs is too tight on the first try as well and driving... Free up 74: VicS1950 hitch working properly, youll want to go very far in either direction this. A Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when I got out of once youre disconnected this process will help the. Them after every week before towing bit it got stuck again the corroded surface, it pulls releases. Easy to purchase bulk packs of wd-40 that contain up to 12 cans lifting the trailer behind it but. Your RV or need some help with some maintenance in past 30 years I. Is in release position etc., etc chock ur camper wheels and place ur truck in neutral unhooking... You to place a tongue lock front side, and it finally came loose the bumper with just ball! It pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft I found a great tool to have a lever... Ball on a wide and smooth surface also prevent their irregular movements is in. Cause your problem hitch ball helps too a long time not level can travel trailer hitch won t release from ball! Travel trailers is the connection they have to the vehicle being towed shortly before Christmas, I a! This product with your hands, a brush, or a small rag helps too as that allows to... Just use spray lube and work it a little thumb pressure on the hitch from height... To understand the finese require to pop the tounge hitch with a wrench to free it up, pull! Release the locking mechanism jam tongue lock well-recognized name because its been providing quality service for years, cable. Overall system, and they move downward made the locking jaw a little thumb pressure on the rear the! Ford F150 answers & decided I was incompetent is binding on the hitch and unhitch things!