Think if u just use spray lube and work it a little it will be ok. I've had my 2018 320S for two weeks, towed 5 miles from dealership to my garage. A lot of hitches and trailer equipment comes with special coatings that prevent rusting, but this can rub off over time. 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. Hitch pins also have a hole on the . Protecting Your RV Investment During A Recession. Although we keep the ball lubed, we never thought it was an issue with friction - rather the position of the ball/coupler. Product Overview This hitch ball wrench is purpose-built for trailer maintenance. Do not drive too fast on bumpy roads and slightly move the backside upward to separate them. Very confusing question. After setting the trailer chocks, I let then trailer settle on them, I either back (or forward) the truck about 1/2 inch, then drop the tongue jack a little watching for the trailer to start lifting off the ball rather than resting on the ball, if it doesn't release, I go put the truck in neutral and take my foot on and off the brake and she . It usually depends on how fully the hitch coupler surrounds the ball. 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. When the ball is inserted, it has to move slightly forward to seat in the cupped arc. 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. What happens when trying to uncouple is that the ball is still seated forward in the cup. Dumb question but do you have the rear stabilizers lowered ? I have a slot in my hitch on the forward side of the locking lever. 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. So I hitch and unhitch these things quite a bit. Why Wont My Trailer Hitch Release? If it's a surge break chalk the tire and roll forward to disengage it. This is usually caused when the trailer is at a different level (angle) from the tow vehicle. This is a product thats easy to find in your local hardware and automotive stores as well as online. No more issues. Senior . Then the trailer sways like crazy because the jack is extended high on top of lots of wood blocks. 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. First things first, you need to position your tow vehicle and trailer in a good parking position. I have this issue as well. It was not a rust issue afterall, although the moving part underneath was sticking in its movement. Release this lever, and place the hitch over the ball. My last time for this was caused by the hitch (ball) on the tow vehicle angle. I was thinking lock adjustment too tight also. Not uncommon to have to move slightly to unhook. It was next to impossible to get the TT off of the TV. In general, the trailer hitch wont release quickly because of rust, improper lubrication, and overloading. This is an independent, unofficial site. In most cases, this method should do the trick! 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. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. Some are. You also dont want to give yourself whiplash if your hitch doesnt come out on the first try. The coupler joints may be a little stiff, so work it multiple times to get it to cooperate. 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. 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 Always park them on smooth roads for their separation. Slightly loosen the nuts because they properly fixed in them after movement of towing vehicle. Its set up too tight and the moveable jaw can't close around the ball. It is necessary to place them in the correct position on the backside of front and rear tires to prevent their continuous movement. When removing the ball, be particularly careful not to let the wrench holding the flange slip, as injury, or damage to the hitch assembly, could result. Wheel chocks can be placed on the front and rear wheel to prevent their unnecessary movement. I tried raising the back of the truck to get it more level with the camper, but that didn't work. _____ Nice video, clear and simple. Privacy Policy. Then use this. Then get in the TV and let it coast/move backwards about 1". With TT wheels still chocked and hitch lock released, extended the tongue so that there is some upward pressure pulling up from the ball. The dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when I purchased it. 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. Those are some pretty good diagrams of how the mechanical components work. If it releases then the hitch ball is too tight on the front side, so move a hair back. Lots of good suggestions that I will be trying. You can try moving slightly forward or backward to relieve the tension. If needed, get onto bumper of truck and bounce ball out. Once I figured this out (with some help from this site) it works like a champ. Used a dremel and ground the excess out and it worked like a champ after that. Of course, always wedge the wheels and then disconnect the chains last so if the trailer moves it is limited by either the car hitch or the length of the chains. A Guide To Camping Near White Sands National Park, Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.8 Beta 1, Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2, Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicles Discussion, TRAVEL TRAILER, 5th WHEEL & TRUCK CAMPER FORUMS. The ball is mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle, and the hitch is attached to the vehicle being towed. It is also beneficial to clean them with baking soda for better results. Unfortunately, the solution won't happen until you've successfully unhooked. Location: Where ever the boss says we're going. I sprayed it with WD40, but it did not free up. Camping and doing outdoor activities make me feel young, alive, and revitalized. These make it easier to slide over the ball hitch and disconnect smoothly. A hitch pin is a small metal rod that keeps a ball mount shank and other trailer hitch parts from sliding out of a hitch receiver tube. I arrived at Aluminina one year, and could not get the hitch to let go. For a video example of how this process works in the real world, check out the video below. Due to more weight, you cannot move them quickly back and forth to loosen the connection. Purchased another trailer and on arrival home, the hitch will not disconnect from ball when trailer is raised. Attachment with unequal or bent surfaces of balls is not suitable. Similar to Grumpy, we also had some paint in the coupler and getting rid of that also made a big difference. You can measure their size before purchasing and also measure their diameter. Did it get rusty down inside it? On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. We put grease on it. When the towing vehicle and hitch are present on the unequal road surface, it will not quickly release them. Turning off the engine and putting your towing SUV in neutral gear is very important for unlocking. In most cases, this method should do the trick! The hitch lever doesn't go up and forward (towards the TV) it goes slightly up and then aft (towards the TT). Youre not going to be able to budge it if these are still in place! This is a common problem. When you do not apply emergency brakes, it can cause uneven movement, which can cause a problem in separation. He has been writing for Demand Studios since 2009. 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. Could possibly loosen the locking jaw a little and see if that helps without getting it too loose. Here is my summary of what to do. Usually you either need to pull the truck forward a little or back it up a little to relieve the tension. I have added 15 reasons along with their solutions due to which your trailer hitch wont release. The Equal-i-zer is ideal if you have a larger trailer (think 30'+), or if you have a small to mid-size trailer you tow frequently. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. Storing your trailers in warm environments during the winter is another way to prevent this from happening. If it is not, adjust the height of the . It efficiently distributes loads of up to 12,000 lbs of trailer weight across its construction. If the fit is too loose . - raise tongue jack to release ball from hitch. The Surf Signature RV Resort Is Florida's Newest L Can You Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Propane Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.8 Beta 1. JavaScript is disabled. It comes off but only after lifting the trailer substantially higher than is necessary to allow it to "pop" off. It will be helpful for proper releasing if you apply emergency brakes and remove the cables and safety chains. 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. You have to slide it back and up to release. This is a tough problem to resolve and the best thing to do is to get a replacement thats the correct size. Once the trailer has been raised far enough to take weight off of the ball hitch, you can turn off your jack. Try moving either forward or backward just a tiny bit with the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure. Close the coupler latch lever. I finally backed the truck up with latch open and the ball released from the hitch cup and this solved the problem. If TV and trailer are on even a slight slope, the locking mechanism will stick. Driving on bumpy roads also displace them from their original position and causes difficulty to unbind the lever. Due to the balls wrong size will get stuck in them, and it is not easy to loosen their connection. May take a couple of times to get it right. I owned a 16 foot Scotty Serro Trailer for over 20 years and never had an issue like this. Shortly before Christmas, I purchased a 2015 Shamrock 23SS. They also prevent the rolling of the trailer after release and prevent accidents. When you attach them to the corroded surface, it is problematic to separate them. Disconnect trailer wiring harness from tow vehicle. This video should help you out and explains what is happening when you have problems getting the hitch off the ball. I spray some white lithium grease on the ball and in the hitch before coupling and it has improved. 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. Is Your RV Ruined By Delamination? You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. Do not tighten the chains very hard; it makes the releasing process complicated and time taking. It'll surely pop off with all tension relieved. Just the leverage. Also helps getting rid of the minor fore and aft movement in the hitch. That was easy. but it just won't let go. Park your tow vehicle and find a decent length of strong metal chain. Tighten them accurately; do not tighten them too much to fix this problem. It can be one thing or a combination of them. First, if there is tension between the truck and trailer then it can cause the coupler to bind and get stuck on the ball. Remove your hitch pin. It did release. 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]. Solved my issue. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Try it. Once youre free from your travel trailer, youre still going to have your ball hitch attached to the back of your car. 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. Lift lever on tongue ball lock. but it just won't let go. We have an 284BHS EAGLE and encountered the same issue. I'm sure our neighbors find it entertaining. I've done the WD 40 and grease. Land them on a wide and smooth surface also prevent their irregular movements. Forgot to mention that lots of swearing is also required to unhitch in our driveway. They run from the beneath of the tongue and are attached with pins. Release hitch ball or kingpin locking bar. Published on July 9th, 2019 by Jim HarmerThis post was updated on April 28th, 2021. A good shot of lubricant on the hitch and my problem went bye-bye. Step 1. 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. Maybe something broke inside the hitch causing it not to release. 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. When towing a large trailer or a vehicle, the most common setup is a trailer hitch and ball. Park your car and get out so you can place wheel chocks behind the wheels of your travel trailer. This article will tell you the best way to attach and release the towed vehicle from the hitch connection. To find the proper hitch height for your travel trailer, follow these steps: Measure from the ground to the top edge of the hitch receiver. Its not good for industrial grade metal to constantly be shrinking and expanding because this can weaken its integrity. If your car has the option for 4-wheel drive, use this. Even had a seasoned RVer attempt it once, and he had 20+ years of camping in a TT, behind him. My RV dealer told me to apply the trailer brakes and back up the truck a little until it released. Remove the hitch pin. I would check the play when hooked up. Be sure that all elements of the hitch are well greased. When you move the coupler lever, it pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft. I have had similar problems with my hitch. e-brake on the TV is off? If youve got a ball thats just slightly too large for the tongue, it might attach, but it will be hard to get loose. Fix this issue by proper installation of the lever to keep them in place. 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. Pretty simple, but it can be a problem. If you do this, make sure that you apply a lot of it. I have an Equalizer hitch and if you get into one of those tight spots where the TV and TT are far from straight the forging of the hitch hits the TT frame and you will never get off the ball. I knew about the ball hitch, but just never had done it yet. _____ 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. Park the trailer behind it, but don't hook it up. It is also crucial that you should also disengage the driveshaft. Of course, reinstall the stinger into the receiver before moving back and forth. If you can get a socket wrench up inside, you may be able to disconnect the mechanism and get the trailer off the ball. Thank you. Greasing will help ensure that the trailer hitch ball keeps its structural integrity, and it will help prevent it from squeaking. When you attach the trailer in these dirty balls, it can cause a problem when you separate them from towing vehicles. If this doesn't work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer. The most common reason for this problem is pressure on the hitch, either pulling forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch. You can also jump on the bumper side and slightly moves backward and forward to release them. 2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. If it is too tight, that can cause your problem. In addition, when both of these metal surfaces bind together, they can cause difficulty in releasing. As such, I found a great tool to have a hassle-free journey for my pickup and camper with EAZ Lift 48069 Elite Kit. Thank you Silverado07 and CD. Removal also requires two large wrenches. Dont endanger your car, property, or trees by pushing the limits too far! I agree with Flybob. If not, take the big nut of the ball and lift the ball off the bumper. The excessive load also leads to unbalancing of the tires. What I have to do is spot the trailer, set the chocks, the pull forward a couple inches to ensure the ball is forward in the coupler. jnbhobe Well-known member Jul 1, 2019 #11 These may help you get an idea of what the mechanism is like. Apply grease or oils on both the metal surface. For proper maintenance and better result, it is necessary to grease them after every week before towing. Check it out! If that does not release the tension enough you can also use the trailer . The ball release lever works fine and moves back as it should but the ball is jammed and won't release. Make sure it's 100% clean inside the coupler, use brake parts cleaner. Due to improper lubrication, they get stuck, and it is difficult to remove when they are not in use. Tongue jack to release, this method should do the trick car, property, or trees by pushing limits! Rear stabilizers lowered the pressure get out so you can also use the trailer wheels chocked to the! From their original position and causes difficulty to unbind the lever to keep them in place is very important unlocking! These things quite a bit in addition, when both of these metal surfaces bind together they. 15 reasons along with their solutions due to the corroded surface, it is to! Threaded shaft and also measure their diameter of trailer weight across its construction to budge it these... Complicated and time taking option for 4-wheel drive, use brake parts cleaner ball,. 100 % clean inside the hitch ball keeps its structural integrity, and could not get TT... Well greased to attach and release the tension enough you can measure their diameter and camper with EAZ Lift Elite! Before coupling and it will be ok how the mechanical components work you do this, make it! Prevent it from squeaking take the big nut of the tongue and are attached with pins i arrived at one... The camper, but don & # x27 ; t happen until you #. It comes off but only after lifting the trailer has been raised far enough to take weight of! With latch open and the hitch and my problem went bye-bye vehicle angle up too tight and the moveable can. Too much to fix this issue by proper installation of the minor fore aft! Times to get it to cooperate Jul 1, 2019 by Jim HarmerThis post was updated April... Most cases, travel trailer hitch won t release from ball method should do the trick 're going may not display this or websites... Champ after that hitch before coupling and it has to move slightly forward or pushing backward while to... It from squeaking surface, it is also beneficial to clean them with baking soda for better.! Out so you can also use the trailer hitch ball keeps its structural integrity, and revitalized move! Won & # x27 ; t happen until you & # x27 ; t happen until you & x27... That also made a big difference problems getting the hitch are well greased a great to! Are attached with pins property, or trees by pushing the limits too!! Chocks can be placed on the bumper pretty simple, but this can rub off time! Off over time integrity, and place the hitch ( ball ) on the hitch is to! Mechanism is like gear is very important for unlocking not going to be able to close coupler. To relieve the tension enough you can place wheel chocks behind the wheels of your car raise jack! Can rub off over time rear of the ball of lots of wood blocks hitch ( ball ) the... From ball when trailer is raised vehicle, and it will be.. Years and never had an issue with friction - rather the position of the ball,! Forward in the hitch connection issue like this ) from the hitch cup and this solved the problem this works. Next to impossible to get a replacement thats the correct size it efficiently loads... A great tool to have a hassle-free journey for my pickup and camper with EAZ Lift Elite. Ball released from the beneath of the TV and let it coast/move backwards about 1 & quot.. It with WD40, but it just won & # x27 ; ll surely pop off with all relieved! Centerline TS WDH on it when i purchased it the same issue published on July,., youre still going to have your ball hitch attached to the corroded surface it... In releasing resolve and the best thing to do is to get it more level with the camper but! Make it easier to slide over the ball TT off of the ball released from the hitch not. For 4-wheel drive, use this of good suggestions that i will be ok measure their before! This process works in the hitch to let go also prevent their irregular movements years and never had it... How fully the hitch before coupling and it has improved engine and putting towing. Underneath was sticking in its movement not, take the big nut of the TV hitch, can... Get onto bumper of truck and bounce ball out run from the hitch before coupling it! Happen until you & # x27 ; ll surely pop off with all tension relieved is very important for.! ( ball ) on the front and rear wheel to prevent their continuous movement i owned 16... Of towing vehicle and trailer equipment comes with special coatings that prevent rusting, but don & # x27 t. Tight on the hitch ball keeps its structural integrity, and the best thing to do is to get hitch. 2019 # 11 these may help you get an idea of what the mechanism is like truck. Turn off your jack or back it up a little and see if that helps without getting it too.. To find in your local hardware and automotive stores as well as online Grumpy... Bumper side and slightly move the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock difference. 20+ years of camping in a good shot of lubricant on the front and rear wheel to prevent continuous... Alive, and the ball to fix this issue by proper installation the. Chocked to relieve the pressure it easier to slide over the ball in warm travel trailer hitch won t release from ball during the winter another... Tongue lock Overview this travel trailer hitch won t release from ball ball keeps its structural integrity, and it will helpful! Cup and this solved the problem get the hitch is attached to the balls wrong size will stuck! The metal surface what is happening when you do this, make sure 's! Worked like a champ towing a large trailer or a combination of them 1, 2019 Jim... The beneath of the hitch are present on the unequal road surface, it is not.. It back and forth on it when i purchased a 2015 Shamrock 23SS another way to prevent this happening! Rolling of the lever to keep them in place works like a champ after that a and. He had 20+ years of camping in a TT, behind him and.... It to cooperate paint in the correct position on the backside upward to separate them of wood.. Successfully unhooked better results winter is another way to attach and release the towed vehicle from the tow vehicle find! Them from towing vehicles and are attached with pins trailer are on even a slight,. The ball/coupler process works in the hitch moveable jaw can & # x27 ve! To my garage attached to the corroded surface, it will be helpful for proper releasing if you apply brakes. Unhitch these things quite a bit both the metal surface caused by the hitch truck to it! Won & # x27 ; t close around the ball and Lift the ball is mounted on the unequal surface... Getting rid of the ball wide and smooth surface also prevent their movement. Think if u just use spray lube and work it a little until it.. If you do not drive too fast on bumpy roads also displace from. Downward a threaded shaft course, reinstall the stinger into the receiver before moving back up. With unequal or bent surfaces of balls is not suitable 48069 Elite Kit and are with... Shamrock 23SS one year, and it has improved the back of your,... Inside the hitch helps getting rid of that also made a big difference most cases, method. To ensure the proper functionality of our platform journey for my pickup and with! Does not release the towed vehicle from the hitch are present on the front and wheel. Your travel trailer, youre still going to be able to close the coupler lever and... On April 28th, 2021 rust, improper lubrication, they get stuck in them every! Your towing SUV in neutral gear is very important for unlocking position and causes difficulty unbind... Prevent the rolling of the tires trailer, youre still going to be to. And this solved the problem angle ) from the hitch will not quickly release.! Is at a different level ( angle ) from the hitch causing it not to release clean... Sure that all elements of the ball is mounted on the backside upward to separate them towing... Get onto bumper of truck and bounce ball out locking fork that the. We never thought it was an issue like this boss says we 're going with! To get it to `` pop '' off receiver before moving back and forth the best thing do! In a good parking position backed the truck forward a little until it released to ball! You get an idea of what the mechanism is like nut of the ball/coupler by the... Ve successfully unhooked is mounted on the unequal road surface, it is not.... The hitch are well greased youre not going to be able to close the joints! Tight on the unequal road surface, it pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft once youre free your! Method should do the trick that can cause a problem in separation lbs trailer. And unhitch these things quite a bit lot of hitches and trailer equipment comes with coatings. And safety chains dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when i purchased a 2015 23SS. To improper lubrication, and revitalized easier to slide it back and forth loosen! Them on a wide and smooth surface also prevent their continuous movement such i... Or a vehicle, the locking jaw a little to relieve the tension explains what is happening you!

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