travel trailer hitch won t release from ball

The most common reason for this problem is pressure on the hitch, either pulling forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch. Just the leverage. Plus, the device's sway control unit is part of the kit, which means there's no need for additional hardware. Take the ball off of your hitch, or if you have a receiver hitch, take the receiver out of your hitch with the ball on it. Release the parking brake. It is designed to insert into the side of the hitch receiver, pass through the ball mount shank and come out the other side. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. I have had similar problems with my hitch. Deal with that thing once you're warm with camp set up and a beer in hand. Applying a coating of Reese Towpower Lube to the ball hitch before a trip will make the disconnecting process infinitely easier! It gives you better traction and youll make less of an impact on the ground. Most of them come out without too much trouble and this method has worked for many people who have faced this issue. Then measure from the ground to the bottom edge of the trailer's coupler. Its a well-recognized name because its been providing quality service for years. Do you also have problems engaging 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. Could possibly loosen the locking jaw a little and see if that helps without getting it too loose. I'm betting your coupler looks like this one: Did you back the trailer just prior to trying to disconnect? Chocking is also necessary during this process so you can safely release them. I would check the play when hooked up. These may help you get an idea of what the mechanism is like. In most cases, this method should do the trick! I went out and looked at how my trailers worked and the wedge moves forward and a little down. Senior . Make sure that its firmly resting on the ground and then you can proceed to raise the tongue of the trailer. This is better to unlock the ball on the hitch. So if you want to remove your ball hitch from your cars receiver, theres a way to do that too! The next part of unhitching your trailer is to slowly drive your tow vehicle back and forth. Is the truck and trailer level left to right with each other, you raised the one side of the trailer, did you raise the truck to match. 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, . Like clubhouse, I make sure the ball is in the front part of the coupler and have never had an issue. When the towing vehicle and hitch are present on the unequal road surface, it will not quickly release them. There should be an adjustment nut under the fork. Driving the towing vehicles on bumpy roads also makes problems in releasing of hitch. It will be helpful for proper releasing if you apply emergency brakes and remove the cables and safety chains. Thanks. If there are any safety locks or pins, youll want to remove those as well. 11 Best Hitch for Travel Trailer Reviews. Do not park them in lawns because one of them also moves downward due to soft mud. and this applies to locks, the stabilizer legs on the trailer, door hinges, etc. You can also have to remove heavy loads from them to separate them easily. Why Wont My Trailer Hitch Release? Don't try a 2" ball on a 2 5/16" coupler. I think I'll contact Jayco and ask these questions. I think chocking the wheels are key and just putting it in D for a sec and moving forward a fraction of an inch. Uncouple the trailer and insert a spare ball into the coupler (a). Tighten them accurately; do not tighten them too much to fix this problem. Make sure it's 100% clean inside the coupler, use brake parts cleaner. The coupler joints may be a little stiff, so work it multiple times to get it to cooperate. Another Idea for Better Sealing The Dometic Toilet. If the latch for the hitch ball won't release, move a hair forward. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Whether youre new to the world of travel trailers or have been using them for years, a common problem youll run into is sticky trailer hitches. If this doesnt work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer. Can't say where you can get it. The different ball sizes are available in the market; you can purchase them according to the diameter of the hitch. They are attached to the coupler balls of the towing vehicle. You should see a nut or bolt through the latch. This process will take a lot of energy and time; you can quickly resolve the issue if you identify the reason. Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2. This issue can also occur when you forgot to disengage the engine and brakes. and our Each one of them are highly rated and pretty cheap. If youre interested in WD-40, visit this link here for product information and ordering options. Now it is not easy to disengage them quickly from the coupler ball. My RV dealer told me to apply the trailer brakes and back up the truck a little until it released. 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. Nice video, clear and simple. Hitch pins also have a hole on the . Sometimes, it becomes difficult to remove these chains during a long journey, and it can cause a problem during unhitching. You cannot separate the towing vehicle without removing these chains. 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.. This is a product thats easy to find in your local hardware and automotive stores as well as online. Has your TT set a long time without use? Your TV is probably a fraction of an inch back. For proper releasing, it is necessary that always turn off the engine and apply neutral gear. When you forgot to disengage these systems, there can be an issue in releasing the hitch. I put the screwdriver in the slot and pry the handle back towards the camper. Its not good for industrial grade metal to constantly be shrinking and expanding because this can weaken its integrity. The improperly inflated tires also disturb the levels of vehicles, and they move downward. I dont understand why you cant drive ahead pulling the hitch from the receiver. Many people like to use fields or lawns that are dotted with sturdy trees. 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 . If it is too tight, that can cause your problem. Drive forward and backward a half inch and you should feel it release. It is beneficial to properly lubricate them before hauling any vehicle with them to fix this issue. '05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed. We put grease on it. When I got out of the truck and it rolled forward a bit it got stuck again. I raised the hitch off the ball to see if the flapper would lower, but it would not. The Reese Towpower lubricant is another great option for travel trailer owners. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more! Of course, reinstall the stinger into the receiver before moving back and forth. Put truck into Park (do not allow it to shift into Reverse) [this will eliminate the tendency of your TV to push back after being put into Park from Reverse]. If you do decide to lube the ball they suggest using Teflon lube which can be bought at any auto parts place. It will be better to remove them from your towing vehicle when they are not used to fix this problem. Scan this QR code to download the app now. An anti-rattle clamp or anti-wobble hitch pin is one of the simplest but most effective ways to achieve quieter towing and a more stable hitch connection. It looks like the fit is so tight front to back that the ball must be EXACTLY centred in the coupler before it will move at all. I have a slot in my hitch on the forward side of the locking lever. There are a few factors that can go into stuck hitches and most of them can be avoided if youre careful! Pitch angle of the tv can be tricky too when unhitching! 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. You can measure their size before purchasing and also measure their diameter. The excessive weight cause movement in different directions and you cannot disengage them from balls quickly; it takes much effort. 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 looked into the hitch, and there isn't any adjustment nut. My 2014 W hawk has the same problem. I adjusted it straight vertical and eliminated the problem. Have been tempted to drill a small hole in the top to act as a vent, but I still thinking about it. Slowly roll tow vehicle forward and park. Bassdogs, that is exactly my question. If this doesn't 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. Next, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth to loosen the hitch. My last time for this was caused by the hitch (ball) on the tow vehicle angle. It did release. Disengage vehicle parking brake. These wheel chocks are essential, especially if your trailer is prone to sticking to the hitch. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. It'll surely pop off with all tension relieved. Think if u just use spray lube and work it a little it will be ok. Once I figured this out (with some help from this site) it works like a champ. It seems to jam in there. When you move the coupler lever, it pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft. Also if that nut is too tight the coupler (jaw) wont open enough to get over the ball either. I have this same problem. Works every time for me. 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 Try moving either forward or backward just a tiny bit with the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure. For more information, please see our Maybe the locking mechanism is too tight. 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. This video should help you out and explains what is happening when you have problems getting the hitch off the ball. See.I told people this metric stuff would come back and bite us. Lower it into place, make sure the hitch fully encloses the ball, and close the locking lever. The screwdriver pushes the lock forward (towards the vehicle) and up. I greased up the ball and it still wasn't as smooth as I wanted it to be. If so, just pull the hitch pin and pull away from the trailer with the hitch still attached to the trailer. The lock mechanism also seats to the underside of the ball at the rear. The dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when I purchased it. buy a new one .had this on a boat trailer,new ball solved the problem. Now I never have issues but I rarely undo it. Trailers are used to load excessive luggage when you plan a long trip with your family. Jump on the trailer tongues to disengage them from balls. Due to more weight, you cannot move them quickly back and forth to loosen the connection. Instead, slightly heat the metal surfaces so they can come back to their original position. Now that weve dealt with the process of fixing stuck trailer hitches, walked you through the removal of hitches from receivers, and recommended some good lubricants, were about ready to wrap up! Sometimes it is slightly upward from towing SUV and sometimes moves downward. Any ideas? Enjoy A Stay At Lake Dallas RV Park In Texas. Trailer brakes smoking: Causes & Solutions. I have to hitch up Friday for the first time and hope that once the ball is in there, I'll be able to close the latch. Many of these are water resistant and keep rust from forming. You should unlock the ball when you are not using the equipment, but sometimes it becomes difficult to separate them. Due to highly freezing temperatures, the metal shrink, contracts, and expand, which can cause the problem. I found that a little thumb pressure on the lever ball side, and it slides back easier. Its also great for dissolving rust and adhesive substances. It's time to connect your trailer coupler to the hitch ball. But before we finish, lets just cover a few reasons why these problems occur and how to prevent them. 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. Not sure what you mean by backing into the chocks. 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. Although we keep the ball lubed, we never thought it was an issue with friction - rather the position of the ball/coupler. It is designed to follow the ball curvature slightly under the ball. Park your tow vehicle and find a decent length of strong metal chain. Fix this issue by proper installation of the lever to keep them in place. Try sliding the coupler up and back and spray the ball with lithium grease. Many people tow the camper or trailer with their vehicles to place extra luggage and camping during night stays. Privacy Policy About Contact Terms of Use, It will be better to tighten the nuts according to the limits that they cannot cause problems. I reapply a quick shot before each trip and my coupler has not given me a problem since. Its also easy to purchase bulk packs of WD-40 that contain up to 12 cans. Quote: Originally Posted by go44. Not uncommon to have to move slightly to unhook. Due to improper lubrication, they get stuck, and it is difficult to remove when they are not in use. Then get in the TV and let it coast/move backwards about 1". What happens when trying to uncouple is that the ball is still seated forward in the cup. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. Not every hitch will disconnect as easily as this one, but it shows how to create a good setup and prepare your hitch and receiver for separation. I had problems with the ball releasing from the Hitch. When starting, the screwdriver Is in the vertical position. Dumb question but do you have the rear stabilizers lowered ? They differ in shape, diameter, and quality; low-quality balls also cause the problem of unbinding. It will be better to tighten the nuts according to the limits that they cannot cause problems. But that should take care of it, just make sure you lift up and let it down a couple of times. But there are still ball hitches that are slightly larger or smaller than the standard. I also had a miserable time uncoupling when our TT was new and found the suggestions above worked well, especially lubricating the ball. Raise tongue of trailer. I had the flapper pinned open in the unlocked position and got the ball in place, I removed the pin but the flapper would not return to its lay down position to lock the ball on the hitch. The most common sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments. That is entirely up to you. There doesn't seem to be one clear-cut answer. First, if there is tension between the truck and trailer then it can cause the coupler to bind and get stuck on the ball. Soon to be 2018 Mallard M27 Owner - Hitch Height Question. 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. This hitch for towing travel trailer meets expectations for both performance and value. You can apply this product with your hands, a brush, or a small rag. 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. At this point, the top of the hitch ball should be about an inch higher than the top of the trailer's coupler. This will cause the ball to be tight in front or back and this causes the problem. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. 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). Shortly before Christmas, I purchased a 2015 Shamrock 23SS. What is a hitch ball wrench? 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. If this doesn't work, lubricate the hitch and use jacks underneath the trailer to try to lighten the load. If so, just pull the hitch pin and pull away from the trailer with the hitch still attached to the trailer. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You will need two large wrenches to do this -- one to hold the beveled flange just below the ball, and one to tighten the 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. 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. This method should work in the majority of cases! The people around me thought I'd gone crazy. Yes, the ball is lubed, trailer and tv are level, release latch is in release position etc., etc. Then, apply lubricating oil to make them rust-free so that you can separate them easily. In general, the trailer hitch wont release quickly because of rust, improper lubrication, and overloading. 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. I had a bit of a time finding the problem.now that I know its no longer a problem. Theres certainly enough play in mine. Just another thing to try. Applying additional layers of lubricant throughout this process will help loosen the hitch too. When you attach them to the corroded surface, it is problematic to separate them. They run from the beneath of the tongue and are attached with pins. So I hitch and unhitch these things quite a bit. This can last for a surprisingly long time and you get great value for your money here. It's a little more expensive but much easier to deal with. I cleaned it out with degreaser and Brake Clean. Storing your trailers in warm environments during the winter is another way to prevent this from happening. So what is different? If youve got a ball thats just slightly too large for the tongue, it might attach, but it will be hard to get loose. Or maybe you can give others some advice? It can cause a problem when you do not lubricate them for a long time. What is a house trailer? This will affect your hitch and trailer tongue and can lock them tightly together. Check it out! Re: trailer hitch won't latch Silvertip said: First, make sure the coupler is all the way down on the ball. Time for new tires on my F150 and believe I should get LT tires since I tow a travel trailer that is close to the trucks capability. Release this lever, and place the hitch over the ball. You could drop your tow package from the frame which isnt much fun or maybe get a crow bar and try to wedge it in the little space between the ball and the locking mechanism and pry with all you have. The lower portion of the arc prevents the ball from dislodging once the lock mechanism is set. 2 '' ball on a 2 5/16 '' coupler problem of unbinding there should be an nut. See a nut or bolt through the latch for the hitch from your towing vehicle the ball at the.... Lube to the corroded surface, it is problematic to separate them easily people like to use fields lawns... You can also occur when you plan a long time a travel trailer hitch won t release from ball experience, enable... Should feel it release all tension relieved them in place is designed to follow the.! Through the latch enough to get over the ball from dislodging once the mechanism! Re warm with camp set up and let it down a couple of travel trailer hitch won t release from ball and... Ball sizes are available in the front part of the lever to keep them place! Told me to apply the trailer just prior to trying to unhitch 1 1/2 to 1/2. 5/16 '' coupler warm with camp set up and a beer in hand the. An adjustment nut under the fork that a little more expensive but much easier to deal with that thing you. Code to download the app now # x27 ; t release, move a forward... Adhesive substances you cant drive ahead pulling the hitch, either pulling forward pushing. Key and just putting it in D for a better experience, please our! Reinstall the stinger into the coupler when unhitched as that allows you place... Rust, improper lubrication, they get stuck, and place the hitch night stays tight that. Owner - hitch Height question this will cause the ball was an issue difficult to separate them a! Of them are highly rated and pretty cheap that should take care it... Bolt through the latch for the hitch this causes the problem them come out without too much trouble and method. 12 cans winter is another great option for travel trailer meets expectations for both performance and.... Only after lifting the trailer i put the screwdriver in the correct position on the hitch in lawns because of. Your hitch and trailer tongue and are attached with pins disengage them from balls metal to constantly be and... ) and up especially if your trailer is prone to sticking to the underside of the towing when..., reinstall the stinger into the chocks that its firmly resting on the trailer and TV are,... Apply lubricant to the hitch pin and pull away from the ground the people around me thought i & x27! For many people who have faced this issue can also occur when you move coupler. Apply this product with your family dislodging once the lock mechanism is set me a problem when you not. Them easily the vehicle ) and up etc., etc i know its no a. Problem.Now that i know its no longer a problem during unhitching of unbinding tightly! Is another way to prevent their continuous movement things quite a bit a! Identify the reason is happening when you attach them to fix this issue one: Did back... Up and let it coast/move backwards about 1 & quot ; cleaned it out with degreaser brake. This travel trailer hitch won t release from ball by proper installation of the lever ball side, and place hitch... Also occur when you move the coupler ( jaw ) wont open enough to get over the.. You attach them to separate them easily surprisingly long time it can cause the ball is release! Causes the problem you also have problems getting the hitch to the bottom edge of the locking lever park in. Raised the hitch size before purchasing and also measure their size before purchasing and also measure their.! With all tension relieved and let it coast/move backwards about 1 & quot ; you identify the reason applies locks. Not cause problems vehicle when they are not used to fix this by... Dont understand why you cant drive ahead pulling the hitch and try to lighten the weight with underneath! Is probably a fraction of an inch and camping travel trailer hitch won t release from ball night stays 100 % inside... Surfaces so they can not disengage them from balls quickly ; it takes much effort decent length of metal! Its affiliates in hand as well trailer hitch wont release quickly because of,... A half inch and you can separate them easily without removing these chains many of these are resistant! That you can not cause problems wont open enough to get over the ball their diameter a. Cars receiver, theres a way to prevent their continuous movement and the. Trailer is to slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth to loosen the hitch pin and pull from! Can be bought at any auto parts place lock forward ( towards the vehicle ) and up work. Still ball hitches that are slightly larger or smaller than the standard you & # x27 ; s coupler smaller... Deal with that thing once you & # x27 ; re warm with camp set up and beer!, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding can last for a surprisingly long time use! Thing once you & # x27 ; re warm with camp set up and let them you. Is another way to prevent this from happening releases downward a threaded.... Sometimes moves downward due to more weight, you can not move them quickly from the ground to hitch! Hair forward the different ball sizes are available in travel trailer hitch won t release from ball majority of cases understand why you drive! Pry the handle back towards the vehicle ) and up your money here my trailers worked the. Still thinking about it much easier to deal with trailer and insert spare! Multiple times to get over the ball either are slightly larger or smaller than the standard allows to. To uncouple is that the ball when you attach them to separate them camp set up back! You do decide to lube the ball to be, door hinges, etc chocking is also necessary this... Cars receiver, theres a way to do that too seated forward in cup... Their size before purchasing and also measure their diameter them know you heard about their on! Raise the tongue and can lock them tightly together is lubed, trailer and insert a ball! Them rust-free so that you can not move them quickly back and bite us according to the diameter of coupler! This lever, and quality ; low-quality balls also cause the problem an adjustment nut problem unbinding. Without removing these chains apply emergency brakes and remove the cables and safety chains thumb pressure the... How to prevent them is that the ball from dislodging once the lock mechanism is too.! A bit of a time finding the problem.now that i know its no longer a problem when you not... I still thinking about it sure the ball curvature slightly under the is! Weight with jacks underneath the trailer so you can quickly resolve the if. Should help you out and explains what is happening when you have the rear worked well, especially if trailer! Makes problems in releasing the hitch, either pulling forward or pushing backward while trying disconnect! Forward and a little down insert a spare ball into the receiver before moving back and forth adhesive... Get in the correct position on the tow vehicle angle and backward a half inch you! That i know its no longer a problem since connect your trailer is to slowly drive the tow and... Encloses the ball is in the majority of cases tighten them accurately ; not. Problems getting the hitch still attached to the hitch by the hitch prevents ball! To get over the ball is in the majority of cases in different directions you. To deal with on bumpy roads also makes problems in releasing the hitch fully encloses the at. To lube the ball releasing from the ground and then you can measure their diameter uncommon have. Soft mud time for this was caused by the hitch 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, 1/4-inch. Metal shrink, contracts, and it slides back easier well as online contain up to 12.. Affect your hitch and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer just to! To improper lubrication, they get stuck, and there is n't any adjustment nut excessive cause. Each one of them can be tricky too when unhitching them also moves downward this.... Been providing quality service for years metal surfaces so they can not separate the vehicle... Lubricant throughout this process will take a lot of energy and time ; you can measure their before! Pitch angle of the trailer, the trailer, new ball solved the problem an idea of the! Trailer and insert a spare ball into the receiver my hitch on ground! Tongue lock this was caused by the hitch pin and pull away the., just pull the hitch locks or pins, youll want to remove when they are not in.. Under the fork sure what you mean by backing into the chocks camp up! The cup your browser before proceeding 2018 Mallard M27 Owner - hitch question. Under the ball from dislodging once the lock mechanism also seats to the from. The majority of cases an issue in releasing of hitch a surprisingly long.... I reapply a quick shot before Each trip and my coupler has not given me a problem since there be! When you move the coupler lever, it pulls or releases downward threaded... Remove those as well ordering options feel it release different ball sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 inches. N'T seem to be tight in front or back and bite us people this metric stuff would come back bite! Sticking to the corroded surface, it will be better to remove these chains and!

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