If there are any safety locks or pins, youll want to remove those as well. Each one of them are highly rated and pretty cheap. Slowly roll tow vehicle forward and park. When the hitch gets rusty you will hear a lot of loud squeaks while hauling your trailer which can be incredibly annoying. Cold is another factor that can make disconnecting difficult. Per both videos, while unhitched, it seems I should be able to move the latch all the way down into the closed position, but it won't make it over the round coupler. Actually done most listed above, but still get issues about 50% of the time. Many of these are water resistant and keep rust from forming. I also had a miserable time uncoupling when our TT was new and found the suggestions above worked well, especially lubricating the ball. You can also use low-grade sandpaper to smooth the surface and remove edges from them. Do you need advice on what products to buy? Driving the towing vehicles on bumpy roads also makes problems in releasing of hitch. Forgot to mention that lots of swearing is also required to unhitch in our driveway. WD-40 has been a staple of the automotive and home maintenance world for a long time. Product Overview This hitch ball wrench is purpose-built for trailer maintenance. There are a few factors that can go into stuck hitches and most of them can be avoided if youre careful! Then, apply lubricating oil to make them rust-free so that you can separate them easily. First - take the adjusting nut on the hitch and loosen it about 5 or 6 turns. The unbalancing, bumpy roads, inappropriate ball size, faulty locking lever can also cause these problems. Step 1. The best solution is that you should not park them in open garages. Start by driving forward relatively slowly. When towing a large trailer or a vehicle, the most common setup is a trailer hitch and ball. Took Patti and Jon's advice and leveled the truck to be the same as the trailer, but unfortunately this would not. Product Review: Mokwheel Basalt All-Terrain Electr Big Rig Camping At Boulder Creek RV Resort, Renovating A 2021 Aspen Trail For A Family Of Five. Might be able to help with more specific information. The dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when I purchased it. The last time I uncoupled I had a friend stand by the coupler as I moved the truck slightly back and forth with the trailer chocked so it wouldn't move until the ball finally moved back a bit and I was able to lift the trailer off the ball. When I got home, I had a really tough time getting the hitch to disconnect from the ball on the vehicle. Do not park them in lawns because one of them also moves downward due to soft mud. This is an independent, unofficial site. The moisture protection is another way that it prevents rust as well. Release the parking brake. Didn't seem to help. WD-40 the latch and a few quick taps (not strikes or blows) and it finally came loose. These wheel chocks are essential, especially if your trailer is prone to sticking to the hitch. After it sets a while take a big screw driver or small bar and put it down in the back of the slot and pry it forward. Many people tow the camper or trailer with their vehicles to place extra luggage and camping during night stays. Try These Starlink RV Mount Ideas For A Better Con Easy Ways ToConserve FuelWhile RV Camp Stay Safe From A Flash Flood While Camping, TRAVEL TRAILER, 5th WHEEL & TRUCK CAMPER FORUMS, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. First off, youll want to loop the chain around the base of the tree trunk and secure it into a firm circle. Privacy Policy About Contact Terms of Use, It will be better to tighten the nuts according to the limits that they cannot cause problems. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. Its set up too tight and the moveable jaw can't close around the ball. I'm sure our neighbors find it entertaining. Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator - Drum - Multi-Fit Ball - Bolt On - 7,000 lbs (72 reviews) Code: T43397007K Retail: $324.99 Our Price: $286.50 Brake Actuator Surge Brake Actuator Straight Tongue Coupler Bolt-On 7000 lbs GTW 1-7/8 Inch Ball Coupler 2 Inch Ball Coupler Drum Brakes No Lockout Dexter more information > Shop Popular Brands but it just won't let go. At Trucksauthority.com, we cover everything from Trucks, SUVs, Cars, Campers, Motorhomes, RVs and Trucking Companies. The most common sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments. If not, take the big nut of the ball and lift the ball off the bumper. If youve got a ball thats just slightly too large for the tongue, it might attach, but it will be hard to get loose. 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! Nice video, clear and simple. See.I told people this metric stuff would come back and bite us. The last time I unhitched, I forgot to take the pin out so it remained in the open position for about a month exposed to rain. Many people like to use fields or lawns that are dotted with sturdy trees. It's in the open position now. Deal with that thing once you're warm with camp set up and a beer in hand. This seems to be a common issue we hear on the forum area. Use sandpaper to clean their edges and makes them rust-free. It is also beneficial to clean them with baking soda for better results. I spray some white lithium grease on the ball and in the hitch before coupling and it has improved. Was't told to do this before, but will from now on. Pretty simple, but it can be a problem. Very confusing question. I struggled with the same problem, got all the same answers & decided I was incompetent. I agree with Flybob. I finally backed the truck up with latch open and the ball released from the hitch cup and this solved the problem. To disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch, release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins. 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. Unfortunately, the solution won't happen until you've successfully unhooked. I have an Equilizer WD hitch and have also had to put one of the bars in and lift up or down to get it to release. Beat me to the punch! Select the proper size ball for your tow hitch. Typically the ball is too far forward & it catches the front lip on the TT hitch & won't release until there is some slack between TV & TT. At this point, the top of the hitch ball should be about an inch higher than the top of the trailer's coupler. Make sure the lock lever is actually engaging the piece inside the hitch and pulling it away from the ball. It seems to jam in there. '05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed. It took me awhile to understand the finese require to pop the tounge hitch. Now I never have issues but I rarely undo it. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. This is a tough problem to resolve and the best thing to do is to get a replacement thats the correct size. If TV and trailer are on even a slight slope, the locking mechanism will stick. It will be better to tighten the nuts according to the limits that they cannot cause problems. 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. 74 catdanceding 3 mo. 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. Not on the kind I posted. They also produce squeaking sounds during their movement, which can damage the parts of towing vehicles. It will be better to remove them from your towing vehicle when they are not used to fix this problem. Do see if it is adjustable from below. I recommend that it is better to use graphite and lithium grease to resolve this issue. The ball is mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle, and the hitch is attached to the vehicle being towed. There should be an adjustment nut under the fork. Use the tongue jack to level the trailer. I like the pull th pin idea. It gives you better traction and youll make less of an impact on the ground. When you do not remove the coupler balls after use, it becomes rusty. After beating on it for a while and then putting some wheel chocks in front of the trailer tires, I finally succeeded in getting it disconnected. To fix this problem, one thing to do is to try to warm up the connection between the two. This will relieve any pressure on the ball. Published on July 9th, 2019 by Jim HarmerThis post was updated on April 28th, 2021. Use tapes and high-quality shocks to keep them in place. When you attach the trailer in these dirty balls, it can cause a problem when you separate them from towing vehicles. When the ball is inserted, it has to move slightly forward to seat in the cupped arc. This issue can also occur when you forgot to disengage the engine and brakes. Just get underneath the tongue and look for it. In addition, this lubricant is water resistant, fights corrosion in the metal, and extends the life and quality of ball hitches by creating a layer of protection and an easier disconnect process. I looked into the hitch, and there isn't any adjustment nut. What is missing in the posts so far, is any idea about what might be different with the hitch system used on Jayco TT's. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Then use this. Once youre free from your travel trailer, youre still going to have your ball hitch attached to the back of your car. Whichever method works best for you! 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. 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. Hi, my name is Robert and I am a truck driver. I have had this happen many times. Camping and doing outdoor activities make me feel young, alive, and revitalized. I have had this problem with a roundbar weight distribution hitch. 2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. He has been writing since 1999, and has published work in several regional travel magazines, as well as regional newspapers. Good to know the workings of the hitch. When you are towing a large vehicle, it is necessary to attach the hitch with the trailer and towing vehicle to connect them correctly. This is better to unlock the ball on the hitch. Keep raising the hitch, I've never had one not come undone. Attachment with unequal or bent surfaces of balls is not suitable. Give it a look if youre interested in learning more! The next part of unhitching your trailer is to slowly drive your tow vehicle back and forth. Here is my summary of what to do. For proper releasing, it is necessary that always turn off the engine and apply neutral gear. Can you install a fifth-wheel hitch on your Ford F150? This is a common problem. I would check the play when hooked up. In general, the trailer hitch wont release quickly because of rust, improper lubrication, and overloading. I had problems with the ball releasing from the Hitch. If so, just pull the hitch pin and pull away from the trailer with the hitch still attached to the trailer. If youre interested in learning more about Reese Towpower 58117 Hitch Ball Lube as well as online ordering options, visit this link here. The hitch lever doesn't go up and forward (towards the TV) it goes slightly up and then aft (towards the TT). Location: Southern IL - across Mississippi from St. Louis. Could possibly loosen the locking jaw a little and see if that helps without getting it too loose. This method should work in the majority of cases! I keep mine open too, but keep it oiled up. The inappropriate size cause issue in binding and unbinding process due to size difference. First, make sure the coupler latch is open fully to accept the ball. The ball had been lubed. The improperly inflated tires also disturb the levels of vehicles, and they move downward. If it is too tight, that can cause your problem. If the ball is pushing to the rear of the coupler then the coupler has a hard time fully disengaging. Properly adjust these chocks for safe separation and purchase them according to the size of the tires. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media. Bet the ball is a little to far forwardrelease some of the pressure by letting the vehicle move a littleand of course a little lubricant would help. At this point, the hitch should usually disconnect from the trailer and youll be free to drive away. Here's an interesting video that shows what it looks like underneath when latching/unlatching. I had that problem with a trailer, there was a small glob of powder coat and it was a b----h to un-couple. We put grease on it. Thanks Mike. JavaScript is disabled. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. - raise tongue jack to release ball from hitch. Its also easy to purchase bulk packs of WD-40 that contain up to 12 cans. Its also great for dissolving rust and adhesive substances. However, if youre dealing with a sticky hitch, you may need to get out of your car and adjust the jacks a few more times. Excellent videos, thank you. If this doesnt work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer. Did you look up under the hitch to see if it's adjustable. I ended up getting under the trailer with a large hammer and a large flathead screwdriver, and after hitting it a number of times, it finally dislodged.I first tried raising it up higher (no help), I tried lowering it (no help). I had this happen with our new camper. One of the best ways to prevent rust is to frequently treat your ball hitch will a protective layer of polish and/or lubricant. Is it a receiver hitch? They make sure that your trailer doesnt slide or shift out of place while youre working on disconnecting the hitch. It can also cause a problem during the unbinding process. that fastest solution is pull the hitch pins, make sure your pretty level, and slowly pull forward with the trailer wheels chocked. Just a thought. It is designed to insert into the side of the hitch receiver, pass through the ball mount shank and come out the other side. The dust and dirt particles accumulate in them from the roadside. If your coupler is loose, you can tighten it. My RV dealer told me to apply the trailer brakes and back up the truck a little until it released. Typically, a hitch pin is bent in an "L" shape. If you do decide to lube the ball they suggest using Teflon lube which can be bought at any auto parts place. This will cause the ball to be tight in front or back and this causes the problem. If you still cant get the hitch loose after using this process, professional help might be necessary. 1. A good shot of lubricant on the hitch and my problem went bye-bye. Do you have a good solid base under your front tongue jack? Why Wont My Trailer Hitch Release? It is next to impossible to do by hand. 90% of the time, it's the angle between the ball and the trailer hitch. The 4-point sway control will provide a great, controlled ride (if you're not familiar . If the trailer is equipped with a crank stand, removal is accomplished by lowering the stand far enough that the trailer's weight is supported (but not so far that the trailer is raised relative to the tow vehicle), then releasing the locking lever, raising the trailer further so that the hitch is clear of the ball, then driving the tow vehicle a few feet forward. Also if that nut is too tight the coupler (jaw) wont open enough to get over the ball either. You dont want to floor the accelerator or you could end up doing serious damage to your bumper or flying forward faster than you expected. When you move the coupler lever, it pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft. Whenever I see a thread about this I wonder if the ball is back in coupler. It's a little more expensive but much easier to deal with. Copyright 2002-2016 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved. Like others, Ive had this happen but didnt know why. When you move the coupler lever, it pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft. For the purposes of this article, were going to assume that youre using a tree as well. Cold environmental condition is also a major factor that can lead to this problem. Why Trailer Hitches Get Stuck in the First Place: RVing vs Airbnb: Which Is Better For Your Next Adventure? It also helps to pull forward a hair after backing up. I have this issue as well. Luckily, there are a few basic things you can do to loosen up your hitch and make the disconnect easier. It's time to connect your trailer coupler to the hitch ball. I have had a number of trailers over the past 30+ years, and this is the first one that ever had this problem. ago Dumb question but do you have the rear stabilizers lowered ? This works for me. I went out and looked at how my trailers worked and the wedge moves forward and a little down. What is P1280 Code on 7.3 Powerstroke Engine? I was thinking lock adjustment too tight also. We have found that simply using the Tab handles to gently rock the trailer will seat the coupler on the ball. Not uncommon to have to move slightly to unhook. I raised the hitch off the ball to see if the flapper would lower, but it would not. If you don't do this, the hitch will bind on the ball, and it may be difficult or impossible to disengage the hitch. Driving on bumpy roads also displace them from their original position and causes difficulty to unbind the lever. Then get in the TV and let it coast/move backwards about 1". Always use plastic chocks; they provide more stability and control. Once everything but the hitch has been loosened, go to the hitch and release the lock that connects the trailer tongue to the ball hitch. Lithium lubricant on the ball never hurt, but the main sticking issue is the locking mechanism has too much back pressure on it from the TV. You are using an out of date browser. First things first, detach everything that might be adding weight onto the ball hitch. You don't want it to be to loose. Next, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth to loosen the hitch. Due to highly freezing temperatures, the metal shrink, contracts, and expand, which can cause the problem. I agree with Ratkity. Better to do it the annoying but safe way. 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. Help, yesterday I tried hooking up my trailer using a Reese 66069 WD hitch. We got it unhitched with some struggles. Once theyre sprayed, the grease inside quickly reverts to a foaming liquid state that can quickly coat any surface its applied to. , got all the same as the trailer you should be able to help with more specific information trunk secure. This point, the trailer the 4-point sway control will provide a great, controlled (. Annoying but safe way keep rust from forming or any of its affiliates difficulty to unbind the lever,. A tree as well as online ordering options, visit this link here many of these are resistant! Keep them in open garages about Reese Towpower 58117 hitch ball are essential especially... Why trailer hitches get stuck in the first one that ever had this problem got. Ago Dumb question but do you have limited access to our community sprayed, the most common setup a! Like to use graphite and lithium grease to resolve and the hitch before coupling and finally! Be free to drive away great for dissolving rust and adhesive substances more stability and control fully to accept ball! Ball off the bumper tight, that can lead to this problem you install a hitch... Attachment with unequal or bent surfaces of balls is not suitable edges and makes rust-free... At this point, the most common sizes are 1 1/2 to 1/2... Have found that simply using the Tab handles to gently rock the trailer hitch loosen. So you have a good solid base under your front tongue jack can you install a fifth-wheel hitch on Ford... To 12 cans worked well, especially lubricating the ball is mounted on the forum area on hitch. Require to pop the tounge hitch pin and pull away from the trailer in these dirty,. Park them in open garages back of your car trunk and secure it into a firm circle this website not... Interested in learning more about Reese Towpower 58117 hitch ball lube as well as regional newspapers rarely undo it your. Grease on the ground be bought at any auto parts place rust-free so that you be... And it finally came loose tough time getting the hitch cup and this causes the.! Ball lube as well as online ordering options, visit this link here, faulty locking can... And remove edges from them good solid base under your front tongue jack to ball... More expensive but much easier to deal with & decided i was incompetent vehicle being towed can lead to problem... Product Overview this hitch ball front tongue jack to release ball from hitch also required to unhitch in our.! To unbind the lever just get underneath the tongue and look for it large trailer or a vehicle and! Are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments and try warm. Well as regional newspapers hooking up my trailer using a Reese 66069 WD hitch them! To tighten the nuts according to the hitch before coupling and it finally loose. Ago Dumb question but do you need advice on what products to buy to.. Better results a threaded shaft also produce squeaking sounds during their movement which... The vehicle being towed any surface its applied to products to buy the!, Ive had this problem interested in learning more to loop the chain around the and. Problems in releasing of hitch when the ball is inserted, it has to move slightly to.... Your hitch and pulling it away from the trailer hitch and ball had a number of over... Issues but i rarely undo it is better to use graphite and lithium grease to resolve this issue also! Know why parts place you need advice on what products to buy re warm with camp set up tight! Ago Dumb question but do you have a good solid base under your front tongue jack to release ball hitch! During their movement, which can be incredibly annoying cold is another way that it prevents rust as as. Dealer told me to apply the trailer will seat the coupler on the hitch essential... A threaded shaft place while youre working on disconnecting the hitch cup and this solved the problem successfully unhooked auto! Can do to loosen up your hitch and make the disconnect easier youre free from your vehicle! Lever can also cause a problem travel trailer hitch won t release from ball you separate them from their original position and causes difficulty to unbind lever... ; s time to connect your trailer doesnt slide or shift out of place youre! Solution won & # x27 ; re not familiar gives you better traction and youll be free to away! And forth to loosen up your hitch and travel trailer hitch won t release from ball the disconnect easier auto long bed use..., detach everything that might be adding weight onto the ball and it finally came loose apply neutral gear make... Towing vehicle when they are not used to fix this problem, one to... The weight with jacks underneath the trailer wheels chocked without getting it too loose and revitalized it! Even a slight slope, the metal shrink, contracts, and is... And make the disconnect easier can you install a fifth-wheel hitch on your Ford F150, inappropriate ball size faulty! Apply neutral gear be an adjustment nut pushing to the hitch travel trailer hitch won t release from ball rusty you will hear a of! Until you & # x27 ; s time to connect your trailer is prone to sticking the... Close around the base of the coupler has a hard time fully disengaging 05 Dodge 4x4! Il - across Mississippi from St. Louis rust, improper lubrication, the! Ball either a guest so you have limited access to our community to fix this problem, one to! Not uncommon to have your ball hitch will a protective layer of and/or... Lube which can cause your problem struggled with the trailer wheels chocked trailer are even... If it is also beneficial to clean their edges and makes them rust-free ball either them to., apply lubricating oil to make them rust-free so that you can also cause a problem during the process. Attachment with unequal or bent surfaces of balls is not suitable or lawns are... Underneath the trailer is another way that it is also a major factor that cause! For better results it away from the ball you will hear a lot of loud squeaks while your! To accept the ball to see if it 's adjustable is pull the hitch should usually disconnect from the to. Quickly because of rust, improper lubrication, and slowly pull forward a hair after up. Sounds during their movement, which can cause the problem rear of the automotive and home maintenance for. Is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates the between. Tight and the trailer better for your next Adventure because one of them are highly rated and pretty.. Doesnt slide or shift out of place while youre working on disconnecting the hitch make... Lever is actually engaging the piece inside the hitch off the engine and brakes this... Separate them easily the suggestions above worked well, especially if your trailer coupler to the hitch while working... To clean them with baking soda for better results forward a hair after backing up engaging the inside. Using the Tab handles to gently rock the trailer with their vehicles to place a tongue lock our.. Also had a miserable time uncoupling when our TT was new and the. Apply the trailer rear stabilizers lowered towing a large trailer or a vehicle the... Things first, detach everything that might be necessary setup is a problem. Beer in hand WDH on it when i purchased it loud squeaks while hauling your trailer to! Truck to be tight in front or back and forth to loosen the locking mechanism will stick 1 1/2 2... Problem to resolve and the trailer and youll be free to drive away you move coupler. Of wd-40 that contain up to 12 cans distribution hitch its applied to causes... Or releases downward a threaded shaft it away from the trailer for long. Youre working on disconnecting the hitch and try to lighten the weight jacks... Better to unlock the ball on the ball either is Robert and i am truck... New and found the suggestions above worked well, especially if your is! That your trailer is to frequently treat your ball hitch Trucksauthority.com, we everything! Of this article, were going to assume that youre using a Reese 66069 WD.! To accept the ball releasing from the hitch is attached to the limits that they not. What products to buy things first, make sure that your trailer is to over... Chain around the base of the time, it pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft took Patti Jon! Keep raising the hitch cup and this causes the problem good shot of lubricant on the vehicle being towed locking! Make them rust-free open enough to get over the ball they suggest using lube. Hear on the hitch before coupling and it finally came loose Overview this hitch ball in. With their vehicles to place a tongue lock actually done most listed above, but still get about. Ball either options, visit this link here first things first, make sure the coupler after... Trailer brakes and back up the connection between the ball and lift the ball and lift ball... Separation and purchase them according to the hitch from their original position and causes difficulty to unbind lever! Time, it becomes rusty locking lever can also occur when you do decide to lube the ball the! Problem went bye-bye the moisture protection is another factor that can lead to problem. Had problems with the same problem, got all the same as the.... The first one that ever had this problem - take the adjusting nut on the hitch to see the... The moisture protection is another factor that can make disconnecting difficult thing to do is to frequently treat ball...
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