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. It was next to impossible to get the TT off of the TV. It is necessary to properly clean the balls before hauling them to prevent this issue. It usually depends on how fully the hitch coupler surrounds the ball. Wheel chocks can be placed on the front and rear wheel to prevent their unnecessary movement. 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. If TV and trailer are on even a slight slope, the locking mechanism will stick. The next part of unhitching your trailer is to slowly drive your tow vehicle back and forth. Next, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth to loosen the hitch. The dust and dirt particles accumulate in them from the roadside. Help, yesterday I tried hooking up my trailer using a Reese 66069 WD hitch. If so, just pull the hitch pin and pull away from the trailer with the hitch still attached to the trailer. Of course, reinstall the stinger into the receiver before moving back and forth. Hitch pins also have a hole on the . If the latch for the hitch ball won't release, move a hair forward. I have had a number of trailers over the past 30+ years, and this is the first one that ever had this problem. I knew about the ball hitch, but just never had done it yet. Use sandpaper to clean their edges and makes them rust-free. 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. Usually a jump on the truck hitch will work. 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. I've done the WD 40 and grease. Did it get rusty down inside it? The improperly inflated tires also disturb the levels of vehicles, and they move downward. However, greasing it is recommended. Not sure what you mean by backing into the chocks. Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2. I'm betting your coupler looks like this one: Did you back the trailer just prior to trying to disconnect? This will be necessary if the trailer is large or heavy, and is best done with a helper to guide you as you position the towing vehicle. Good to know the workings of the hitch. Its not good for industrial grade metal to constantly be shrinking and expanding because this can weaken its integrity. If it free off the ball it should be Ok on the ball. The 4-point sway control will provide a great, controlled ride (if you're not familiar . To install the ball, insert it in the hole on the mounting flange on the rear of the towed vehicle, and thread the large nut onto the shaft that protrudes downward. Release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins to disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch. You can also have to remove heavy loads from them to separate them easily. but it just won't let go. May take a couple of times to get it right. Similar to Grumpy, we also had some paint in the coupler and getting rid of that also made a big difference. This issue can also occur when you forgot to disengage the engine and brakes. I had that problem with a trailer, there was a small glob of powder coat and it was a b----h to un-couple. 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. Do you have a good solid base under your front tongue jack? jnbhobe Well-known member Jul 1, 2019 #11 Apply grease or oils on both the metal surface. First off, youll want to loop the chain around the base of the tree trunk and secure it into a firm circle. Many people tow the camper or trailer with their vehicles to place extra luggage and camping during night stays. The hitch is binding. Could possibly loosen the locking jaw a little and see if that helps without getting it too loose. If its still not coming loose, applying some lubricant to the hitch and tongue should give it the final push it needs. Is Your RV Ruined By Delamination? 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. If u r on level ground, chock ur camper wheels and place ur truck in neutral while unhooking. Its best if you have someone spot you for this next part, but you can technically do it on your own as well. Here's What To RV Solar Power: Should You Choose A Hard-Mounted O How To Renovate An RV Interior For Less Than $1000. Is this normal? Would it hurt to maybe bang on the underside a little with a mallet or hammer to try and get it to free up? Release the parking brake. Try moving either forward or backward just a tiny bit with the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure. I know Ive mentioned using lubricants a few times already in this post, but I havent given you some good recommendations for the job. I was thinking lock adjustment too tight also. Lower tongue jack until hitch clears vehicle ball. If not, take the big nut of the ball and lift the ball off the bumper. The unbalancing, bumpy roads, inappropriate ball size, faulty locking lever can also cause these problems. This is a common problem. Also helps getting rid of the minor fore and aft movement in the hitch. Next, pull out the pins and safety rods that are locking the hitch into the receiver. When the ball is tipped (trying to get under the coupler) it won't go in or catches on the lock. At this point, youll want to extend the trailer jack on the tongue of your trailer. ago Cold is another factor that can make disconnecting difficult. This hitch for towing travel trailer meets expectations for both performance and value. It seems to jam in there. It'll surely pop off with all tension relieved. Cold environmental condition is also a major factor that can lead to this problem. Best of all it's totally FREE! Be sure that all elements of the hitch are well greased. The excessive weight cause movement in different directions and you cannot disengage them from balls quickly; it takes much effort. Enjoy A Stay At Lake Dallas RV Park In Texas. buy a new one .had this on a boat trailer,new ball solved the problem. 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. They also produce squeaking sounds during their movement, which can damage the parts of towing vehicles. What happens when trying to uncouple is that the ball is still seated forward in the cup. If you do this, make sure that you apply a lot of it. 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. The most common reason for this problem is pressure on the hitch, either pulling forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch. Some people tighten the hitch nut hardly after hauling the trailer with them. Make it a habit to wipe it out with a paper towel before hitching up. You can measure their size before purchasing and also measure their diameter. Just the leverage. Loosen the nut on the bottom. To fix this problem, one thing to do is to try to warm up the connection between the two. Solved my issue. 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. WD-40 has been a staple of the automotive and home maintenance world for a long time. This is better to unlock the ball on the hitch. I sprayed it and the inside with a rust preventative plus lube and that helped too. Now we get to the fun part. Do you also have problems engaging the hitch??? This makes it perfect for sticky situations like a ball hitch that wont disconnect from a trailer or hitch receiver. Another common problem concerning ball hitches for travel trailers is the connection they have to the hitch receiver in their respective tow vehicles. Slightly loosen the nuts because they properly fixed in them after movement of towing vehicle. 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. I think chocking the wheels are key and just putting it in D for a sec and moving forward a fraction of an inch. 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. Lower it only as much as necessary to close the latch. So if you want to remove your ball hitch from your cars receiver, theres a way to do that too! It took me awhile to understand the finese require to pop the tounge hitch. If it is too tight, that can cause your problem. Cookie Notice So, before I haul it back to the storage lot, I would really appreciate any guidance/advise as to what is wrong. iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? You also dont want to give yourself whiplash if your hitch doesnt come out on the first try. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. Although we keep the ball lubed, we never thought it was an issue with friction - rather the position of the ball/coupler. Thanks Mike. Close the coupler latch lever. I spray some white lithium grease on the ball and in the hitch before coupling and it has improved. Like clubhouse, I make sure the ball is in the front part of the coupler and have never had an issue. Ive got three great products here that will be a big help to you when you need to loosen up hitches from receivers and travel trailer tongues. This video should help you out and explains what is happening when you have problems getting the hitch off the ball. Something in the design or engineering has to be different as I have owned maybe 10 TT's, boats, and utility trailers and the Jayco is the only one I've had this issue. Always make sure to match the measurements of your hitch to your receiver. Do see if it is adjustable from below. Typically, a hitch pin is bent in an "L" shape. Tim 07-20-2015, 06:48 AM #74: VicS1950. When a coupler gets stuck on the ball it can be because of several factors. 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. Silverodo07 pretty nnuch gave you the answer that I was going to give. Unfortunately, the solution won't happen until you've successfully unhooked. Hi, my name is Robert and I am a truck driver. Better to do it the annoying but safe way. The ball had been lubed. The most common reason for this problem is pressure on the hitch, either pulling forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch. Plus the grease is still there so I don't have any squeak. An anti-rattle installs tightly against the shank to keep it from vibrating inside the receiver. The dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when I purchased it. Driving the towing vehicles on bumpy roads also makes problems in releasing of hitch. 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 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. 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. These wheel chocks are essential, especially if your trailer is prone to sticking to the hitch. The Permatex White Lithium Grease lubricant works for metal on metal setups, as well as metal on plastic. Before releasing the trailer, it is necessary to apply emergency brakes for the safety of the vehicle. Trailer brakes smoking: Causes & Solutions. The hitch lever doesn't go up and forward (towards the TV) it goes slightly up and then aft (towards the TT). Each one of them are highly rated and pretty cheap. The most common sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. Give it a look if youre interested in learning more! 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. is this common? Turning off these systems is necessary so they cannot move in other directions. 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. The moisture protection is another way that it prevents rust as well. Park the trailer behind it, but don't hook it up. While the last product required you to spread the lubricant around the surface, this one has a small pointed nozzle that enables you to squeeze it out without needing to touch it directly. Just need a bit of leverage. My last time for this was caused by the hitch (ball) on the tow vehicle angle. As such, I found a great tool to have a hassle-free journey for my pickup and camper with EAZ Lift 48069 Elite Kit. Once the trailer has been raised far enough to take weight off of the ball hitch, you can turn off your jack. Sometimes it is slightly upward from towing SUV and sometimes moves downward. It can also cause a problem during the unbinding process. Then use this. I think I'll contact Jayco and ask these questions. 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. Now, with just the ball in your hand, insert it into the hitch. Not on the kind I posted. 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. Don't try a 2" ball on a 2 5/16" coupler. The rust comes on metal surfaces 2 to 3 times more than other materials. You can also use different equipment to balance your tires. 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