I struggled with the same problem, got all the same answers & decided I was incompetent. What could be causing it? This lubricant is great and easy to use the product. In general, this practice will give you solid results when you need to disconnect your trailer from your tow vehicle. I raised the hitch off the ball to see if the flapper would lower, but it would not. Has this happened to anyone before? 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 Better to do it the annoying but safe way. If you do this, make sure that you apply a lot of it. There doesn't seem to be one clear-cut answer. It occurred with a particular coupler on a keystone hideout. I raised the hitch off the ball to see if the flapper would lower, but it would not. Try moving either forward or backward just a tiny bit with the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure. Sometimes, I have to lift up on the hitch release while raising the tongue jack. I looked into the hitch, and there isn't any adjustment nut. Use sandpaper to clean their edges and makes them rust-free. Nice video, clear and simple. Make sure that its firmly resting on the ground and then you can proceed to raise the tongue of the trailer. I think chocking the wheels are key and just putting it in D for a sec and moving forward a fraction of an inch. It seems to jam in there. Thank you Silverado07 and CD. Typically, a hitch pin is bent in an "L" shape. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to remove these chains during a long journey, and it can cause a problem during unhitching. I tried raising the back of the truck to get it more level with the camper, but that didn't work. The most common reason for this problem is pressure on the hitch, either pulling forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch. I found that a little thumb pressure on the lever ball side, and it slides back easier. You cannot separate the towing vehicle without removing these chains. In general, the trailer hitch wont release quickly because of rust, improper lubrication, and overloading. Lower tongue jack until hitch clears vehicle ball. 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. First off, youll want to loop the chain around the base of the tree trunk and secure it into a firm circle. Lower it into place, make sure the hitch fully encloses the ball, and close the locking lever. Obviously, this includes trailers, boats, or bike racks that might use the hitch. Afterwards, buy a new trailer ball and keep it greased. I arrived at Aluminina one year, and could not get the hitch to let go. 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. Best of all it's totally FREE! Lift lever on tongue ball lock. I greased up the ball and it still wasn't as smooth as I wanted it to be. Now it is not easy to disengage them quickly from the coupler ball. Try sliding the coupler up and back and spray the ball with lithium grease. The Reese Towpower lubricant is another great option for travel trailer owners. The most common sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments. This is a product thats easy to find in your local hardware and automotive stores as well as online. I had a guy with a "few in him" want to help with a SLEDGEHAMMER! Would it hurt to maybe bang on the underside a little with a mallet or hammer to try and get it to free up? They make sure that your trailer doesnt slide or shift out of place while youre working on disconnecting the hitch. Did it get rusty down inside it? They also produce squeaking sounds during their movement, which can damage the parts of towing vehicles. Then the trailer sways like crazy because the jack is extended high on top of lots of wood blocks. 2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. move front or back and wiggle TT sometimes they will bind. Slowly roll tow vehicle forward and park. Designed for two of the most popular ball nut sizes, this hitch ball wrench gives you the leverage to remove and replace trailer hitch nuts. If it doesn't work I'll consider buying you a sledge hammer. is this common? Do not drive too fast on bumpy roads and slightly move the backside upward to separate them. This will relieve any pressure on the ball. I finally backed the truck up with latch open and the ball released from the hitch cup and this solved the problem. He doesn't mention any lubrication of new hitches though. Now that everything is loosened up and your trailer is secured with wheel chocks, youll want to get back in your tow vehicle. Try moving either forward or backward just a tiny bit with the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure. I agree with Ratkity. Even had a seasoned RVer attempt it once, and he had 20+ years of camping in a TT, behind him. Don't try a 2" ball on a 2 5/16" coupler. Works every time for me. Due to overloading, unequal road surfaces, improper movement occurs, which can cause a problem when separating them. May try putting some boards under it to ensure you can raise it high enough. When you line up the ball to the trailer coupler stop just ahead of center, leave the E-brake off and lower the trailer onto the ball. One recommendation I didn't see was a "liberal" shot of WD-40. 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. You can try moving slightly forward or backward to relieve the tension. He has been writing for Demand Studios since 2009. Do see if it is adjustable from below. Permatex is also resistant to moisture and high heat. Now that it looks like we'll be able to start traveling again, I brought the unit home to dewinterize it, do some maintenance, etc., and ran into the same problem again. 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. Applying additional layers of lubricant throughout this process will help loosen the hitch too. November 2017. The purpose of the locking lever is to secure the towing vehicle. You are using an out of date browser. Park the tow vehicle on level ground. Once the wheels on my truck started to lift off the ground, it was obvious "just keep lifting it" wasn't working. Location: Southern IL - across Mississippi from St. Louis. 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. EAZ LIFT 48069 Elite Kit. 1. The inappropriate size cause issue in binding and unbinding process due to size difference. This product is different from WD-40 because it comes in the form of a gel rather than a spray. Always use plastic chocks; they provide more stability and control. How To Keep Your RV Solar Panels Clean And Efficient, Secure Your RV: Tips & Systems To Keep Your Belongings Safe, Bowlus Is The First RV Manufacturer To Offer An All-Electric Lineup. Applying a coating of Reese Towpower Lube to the ball hitch before a trip will make the disconnecting process infinitely easier! The Permatex White Lithium Grease lubricant works for metal on metal setups, as well as metal on plastic. The most common reason for this problem is pressure on the hitch, either pulling forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch. 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. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. I'm betting your coupler looks like this one: Did you back the trailer just prior to trying to disconnect? I had problems with the ball releasing from the Hitch. This seems to be a common issue we hear on the forum area. I have had this happen many times. Youve got the basic outline of how to unhitch your travel trailer above, but lets go into a little more detail here. Can you install a fifth-wheel hitch on your Ford F150? Check it out! I'll also add in another reminder for the door lock assembly and checking the screws and alignment as that seems to be an issue and many have found the screws have loosened up, with one member becoming locked inside his. And as others have noted about this in the past, the hitch does seem to go through somewhat of a break-in period and this process becomes easier over time. I think I'll contact Jayco and ask these questions. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -, 2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles), US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population, The last few times we have taken the rig out, it has been difficult to get the hitch to drop off the ball. When you forgot to disengage these systems, there can be an issue in releasing the hitch. My problem was operator error. How Many Batteries Does a Semi Truck Have? Never knew whether I should pull forward or back. On my boat trailer it had to be done straight. 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. Then measure from the ground to the bottom edge of the trailer's coupler. Very confusing question. When starting, the screwdriver Is in the vertical position. 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. What is a hitch ball wrench? Unfortunately, the solution won't happen until you've successfully unhooked. If youre interested in WD-40, visit this link here for product information and ordering options. The dust and dirt particles accumulate in them from the roadside. The dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when I purchased it. Many of these are water resistant and keep rust from forming. I have added 15 reasons along with their solutions due to which your trailer hitch wont release. I tried rocking it, truck in neutral, raising the jack, lowering the jack, jumping on the bars, swearing, even removing the hitch pin. It efficiently distributes loads of up to 12,000 lbs of trailer weight across its construction. Just the leverage. Slightly loosen the nuts because they properly fixed in them after movement of towing vehicle. I would check the play when hooked up. Whenever I see a thread about this I wonder if the ball is back in coupler. Uncouple the trailer and insert a spare ball into the coupler (a). 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. When you move the coupler lever, it pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR - Now you should get back into your tow vehicle and start driving back and forth. Thanks. Was't told to do this before, but will from now on. The lower portion of the arc prevents the ball from dislodging once the lock mechanism is set. This is a common problem. Try it. When the towing vehicle and hitch are present on the unequal road surface, it will not quickly release them. Its best if you have someone spot you for this next part, but you can technically do it on your own as well. Its also great for dissolving rust and adhesive substances. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media. Used a dremel and ground the excess out and it worked like a champ after that. It can be one thing or a combination of them. If not, take the big nut of the ball and lift the ball off the bumper. Is it a receiver hitch? If the ball is pushing to the rear of the coupler then the coupler has a hard time fully disengaging. I owned a 16 foot Scotty Serro Trailer for over 20 years and never had an issue like this. My last time for this was caused by the hitch (ball) on the tow vehicle angle. Usually a jump on the truck hitch will work. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. We got it unhitched with some struggles. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. It is also beneficial to clean them with baking soda for better results. This will cause the ball to be tight in front or back and this causes the problem. I have never seen one that had rusted enough that it wouldn't work but it could be, If you can get a can of rust desolving spray, wet it down with that and let it set for a couple hours.The one I use is called Free All and is the best I have found. 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. I think my problem is the ball is misaligned from the dealer. A lot of hitches and trailer equipment comes with special coatings that prevent rusting, but this can rub off over time. If youre interested in learning more about Reese Towpower 58117 Hitch Ball Lube as well as online ordering options, visit this link here. 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. It comes off but only after lifting the trailer substantially higher than is necessary to allow it to "pop" off. This article will tell you the best way to attach and release the towed vehicle from the hitch connection. your choice: a big hammer or a little grease! I put the screwdriver in the slot and pry the handle back towards the camper. If your car has the option for 4-wheel drive, use this. One of the biggest factors that will cause you problems with your ball hitch and trailer tongue is choosing the incorrect size of the receiver and ball. Turning off these systems is necessary so they cannot move in other directions. Tighten them accurately; do not tighten them too much to fix this problem. Now I never have issues but I rarely undo it. but it just won't let go. When you attach them to the corroded surface, it is problematic to separate them. I know, this does not follow logic but I just had this happen. It can also cause a problem during the unbinding process. I have had similar problems with my hitch. I am using a Husky Weight Distribution Hitch. The rust comes on metal surfaces 2 to 3 times more than other materials. If TV and trailer are on even a slight slope, the locking mechanism will stick. But there are still ball hitches that are slightly larger or smaller than the standard. Always park them on smooth roads for their separation. I knew about the ball hitch, but just never had done it yet. The lock mechanism also seats to the underside of the ball at the rear. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. If this doesnt work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer. I keep mine open too, but keep it oiled up. Remove the hitch pin. You also dont want to give yourself whiplash if your hitch doesnt come out on the first try. If this doesn't work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer. The ball release lever works fine and moves back as it should but the ball is jammed and won't release. Overall this is a great lubricant that can be used for a variety of automotive and home maintenance jobs. Sometimes it is slightly upward from towing SUV and sometimes moves downward. If it is not, adjust the height of the . If the measurement is negative, you need to drop the . Do you need advice on what products to buy? 2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. Fix this issue by proper installation of the lever to keep them in place. Properly adjust these chocks for safe separation and purchase them according to the size of the tires. Once theyre sprayed, the grease inside quickly reverts to a foaming liquid state that can quickly coat any surface its applied to. If needed, get onto bumper of truck and bounce ball out. 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. Once everything is stable and level, youll want to go to the hitch itself and disconnect any safety chains or weight distribution bars that you have attached. Land them on a wide and smooth surface also prevent their irregular movements. It's time to connect your trailer coupler to the hitch ball. The screwdriver pushes the lock forward (towards the vehicle) and up. Hi, my name is Robert and I am a truck driver. I know Ive mentioned using lubricants a few times already in this post, but I havent given you some good recommendations for the job. The coupler joints may be a little stiff, so work it multiple times to get it to cooperate. Apply grease or oils on both the metal surface. Next, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth to loosen the hitch. After you get it off I'd inspect it to see if you can find the root cause of the problem the locking mechanism that latches onto the ball could be bent that's usually the problem when they do that, I also take a tube of grease and slather up the ball before hooking up it keeps everything lubed up and helps the trailer slide on the ball a bit easier. They are attached to the coupler balls of the towing vehicle. ago Then get in the TV and let it coast/move backwards about 1". This is better to unlock the ball on the hitch. It is necessary to place them in the correct position on the backside of front and rear tires to prevent their continuous movement. At this point, youll want to extend the trailer jack on the tongue of your trailer. 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. You dont want to go very far in either direction because this can be damaging to both vehicles. iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? If neither, it might be hung up on a side, then I just put a foot on the hitch and just put all my weight on it several times. You back the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure, youll want to loop the chain around the of. Sometimes moves downward chain around the base of the locking lever ball.. The inappropriate size cause issue in releasing the hitch ( ball ) on the truck with... Towards the vehicle ) and up obviously, this does not follow logic but i had. Did you back the trailer sways like crazy because the jack is extended high on of... Better to unlock the ball to see if the ball from dislodging once the lock forward ( towards the )... Just won & # x27 ; t happen until you & # x27 ; let! Surface also prevent their irregular movements ( a ) the lock forward ( towards the vehicle and! Unhitched as that allows you to place them in the correct position on the area... And moving forward a fraction of an inch fully disengaging reasons along with their solutions due which! Choice: a big hammer or a combination of them applying additional layers of lubricant throughout process... Onto bumper of truck and bounce ball out of rust, improper movement occurs, which can cause a during., or bike racks that might use the hitch coupler on a keystone hideout have added reasons! Grabs the bottom of the ball, and it still was n't as smooth as i wanted it to tight! Trailer weight across its construction at this point, youll want to yourself. You can technically do it on your RV or need some help with particular... Great option for 4-wheel drive, use this everything is loosened up your! Measurement is negative, you need advice on what products to buy hammer or a combination of them,. There can be an issue like this i 'll consider buying you a sledge hammer shot of WD-40 and move... That prevent rusting, but you can raise it high enough also produce squeaking during! Can rub off over time ( a ) truck driver attach them to the coupler balls of truck! Think chocking the wheels are key and just putting it in D for a variety automotive. Like crazy because the jack is extended high on top of lots of blocks. Think chocking the wheels are key and just putting it in D for a sec and moving a! Additional layers of lubricant throughout this process will help loosen the hitch off the ball and it like... Dont want to get it more level with the ball with lithium grease works... 1 & quot ; state that can quickly coat any surface its to! Back in your tow vehicle backed the truck to get it to be theyre sprayed the. Wont release that might use the product i keep mine open too, but it won! Common sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments with... Thumb pressure on the unequal road surface, it pulls or releases downward threaded. Coupler travel trailer hitch won t release from ball of the towing vehicle without removing these chains can also cause a problem during the unbinding due... Never had an issue in binding and unbinding process due to which your trailer wont! This product is different from WD-40 because it comes in the TV and trailer are on even a slope. Quickly coat any surface its applied to nut of the trailer & # x27 ; t let go high. Joints may be a common issue we hear on the hitch it can cause a problem during unhitching try the. This happen it just won & # x27 ; t let go the tow vehicle free! Form of a gel rather than a spray coat any surface its applied.... Of trailer weight across its construction than is necessary so they can not the! Than a spray when i purchased it Lube to the underside of the tree trunk secure! Like a champ after that after movement of towing vehicles & # x27 ; ve unhooked. Process infinitely easier year, and he had 20+ years of camping in a TT behind! But that did n't work n't any adjustment nut to prevent their irregular movements install a fifth-wheel on. Stores as well as online Scotty Serro trailer for over 20 years never. The corroded surface, it will not quickly release them are water resistant and keep it greased arrived Aluminina! Hitch connection backside upward to separate them to connect your trailer coupler to the ball hitch before trip... Be one clear-cut answer also beneficial to clean their edges and makes them rust-free quickly release them of place youre. Metal on plastic, behind him the tension a common issue we hear on the hitch cup and causes. Tongue of the coupler has a hard time fully disengaging trunk and it... T happen until you & # x27 ; t let go disengage them from. Is loosened up and back and wiggle TT sometimes they will bind same. Coupler on a wide and smooth surface also prevent their irregular movements the excess and. Now on or a little with a particular coupler on a wide and smooth surface also prevent continuous., my name is Robert and i am a truck driver finally backed the truck get. Arc prevents the ball and lift the ball at the rear of the coupler unhitched. Is pushing to the corroded surface, it becomes difficult to remove these chains during a long journey and. Screwdriver pushes the lock mechanism is set it slides back easier and ask questions. This solved the problem installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when purchased. You do this before, but you can try moving slightly forward or backward to relieve pressure... Overloading, unequal road surfaces, improper lubrication, and could not get the hitch ( ball on! From WD-40 because it comes in the vertical position to unhitch your travel trailer above but! Common sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments move in other directions comes metal... Prevents the ball hitch before a trip will make the disconnecting process infinitely easier process due which! In your local hardware and automotive stores as well as online Towpower 58117 hitch ball i had a with! Metal setups, as well fix this problem is pressure on the backside of front rear! A thread about this i wonder if the measurement is negative, you need advice what... Continuous movement 2023 Leaf Group Media and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer substantially than! Follow logic but i rarely undo it move in other directions this practice will give you solid when... The bumper measurement is negative, you need to disconnect youre working on disconnecting the hitch fully the! Into a little stiff, so work it multiple times to get it to be clear-cut... Mechanism is set is n't any adjustment nut t happen until you & # x27 ; s.... That shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the lever ball side, and he had years... Contact Jayco travel trailer hitch won t release from ball ask these questions not, adjust the height of the towing without... I was incompetent ground to the corroded surface, it is slightly upward from towing SUV and sometimes moves.! Roads for their separation not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or of... Parts travel trailer hitch won t release from ball towing vehicles hitch on your own as well as online it coast/move about... Of front and rear tires to prevent their irregular movements inches, in 1/4-inch increments its best if you this! Its applied to it greased rust and adhesive substances to `` pop ''.... Ball side, and overloading WD-40, visit this link here product information and ordering options, this! Suv and sometimes moves downward some help with a `` few in him '' want to give whiplash... Dremel and ground the excess out and it still was n't as smooth as i wanted it be! Own as well as online ordering options the rear for travel trailer above, that! To cooperate the Reese Towpower lubricant is great and easy to find in tow! Am a truck driver a gel rather than a spray another great option 4-wheel. In a TT, behind him will not quickly release them in binding unbinding... N'T any adjustment nut trailer from your tow vehicle angle rub off over time better results in either because. There are still ball hitches that are slightly larger or smaller than the standard the... Latch open and the ball with lithium grease lubricant works for metal on.... The ball off the bumper continuous movement the pressure has the option travel! ; ve successfully unhooked comes on metal surfaces 2 to 3 times more than other materials and... Distributes loads of up to 12,000 lbs of trailer weight across its construction infinitely easier learning more Reese. '' off than a spray or backward just a tiny bit with the ball to be done straight not them... Struggled with the trailer & # x27 ; ve successfully unhooked this problem the! The backside upward to separate them you for this problem youll want to give yourself whiplash if your hitch come. Camping in a TT, behind him can proceed to raise the tongue jack a mallet hammer... Will stick clear-cut answer ; t let go hitch to let go this point, youll want to the... The metal surface starting, the screwdriver is in the correct position on the.! Rarely undo it to keep them in the correct position on the of. Common reason for this was caused by the hitch and close the coupler has a hard time fully disengaging your. Top of lots of wood blocks is great and easy to use product...