It was next to impossible to get the TT off of the TV. _____ Disconnect trailer wiring harness from tow vehicle. No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Maybe the locking mechanism is too tight. i keep my brake off and, some vasoline on the ball, and if i have to i get on the bumper of the TV and do a little hop and it comes off keep some wheel bearing grease on the ball and I bet the problem goes away! Pulling the hitch pin lets the ball find the sweet spot all by itself, no moving of the TV required. Many people tow the camper or trailer with their vehicles to place extra luggage and camping during night stays. No more issues. Thanks Mike. If the latch for the hitch ball won't release, move a hair forward. I have a slot in my hitch on the forward side of the locking lever. > My Hitch Won't Let Go Of My Ball . Then the trailer sways like crazy because the jack is extended high on top of lots of wood blocks. Enjoy A Stay At Lake Dallas RV Park In Texas. I also had a miserable time uncoupling when our TT was new and found the suggestions above worked well, especially lubricating the ball. This is better to unlock the ball on the hitch. Hi, my name is Robert and I am a truck driver. The coupler joints may be a little stiff, so work it multiple times to get it to cooperate. Lift lever on tongue ball lock. November 2017. Thanks all. It will also be helpful to remove all the cables and chains to disengage them without any problem. We got it unhitched with some struggles. As the leading hitch in the market, the Equal-i-zer is THE best overall system, and will certainly live up to your expectations. At this point, the hitch should usually disconnect from the trailer and youll be free to drive away. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. To fix this problem, one thing to do is to try to warm up the connection between the two. 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. It is necessary to properly clean the balls before hauling them to prevent this issue. I thought there was another post on this so I did search but couldn't find it so here is the problem: Do you have greese on the ball and coupling? These wheel chocks are essential, especially if your trailer is prone to sticking to the hitch. Obviously, this includes trailers, boats, or bike racks that might use the hitch. I get it from a friend that buys it by the case online. Thank you. Makes so much sense. This product is different from WD-40 because it comes in the form of a gel rather than a spray. move front or back and wiggle TT sometimes they will bind. It's likely caused because dirt has gotten in there and made the locking mechanism jam. Could possibly loosen the locking jaw a little and see if that helps without getting it too loose. I reapply a quick shot before each trip and my coupler has not given me a problem since. However, greasing it is recommended. Back if off just enough to get the hitch working properly. Always use plastic chocks; they provide more stability and control. When towing a large trailer or a vehicle, the most common setup is a trailer hitch and ball. Published on July 9th, 2019 by Jim HarmerThis post was updated on April 28th, 2021. Attachment with unequal or bent surfaces of balls is not suitable. A little grease on the hitch ball helps too. Use sandpaper to clean their edges and makes them rust-free. WD-40 is a lubricant that is stored in small aerosol dispersal cans. If it's a surge break chalk the tire and roll forward to disengage it. However, many people complain that they face a problem when they want to unhitch the vehicle. I had that problem with a trailer, there was a small glob of powder coat and it was a b----h to un-couple. Your TV is probably a fraction of an inch back. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Next, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth to loosen the hitch. Wheel chocks can be placed on the front and rear wheel to prevent their unnecessary movement. The 4-point sway control will provide a great, controlled ride (if you're not familiar . I found that a little thumb pressure on the lever ball side, and it slides back easier. Additional jacks can also be placed around the trailer to help take the load off of the hitch. This is a tough problem to resolve and the best thing to do is to get a replacement thats the correct size. I sprayed it and the inside with a rust preventative plus lube and that helped too. I had problems with the ball releasing from the Hitch. Just let the whole hitch slide out. Start by driving forward relatively slowly. Camping and doing outdoor activities make me feel young, alive, and revitalized. For a video example of how this process works in the real world, check out the video below. This lubricant is great and easy to use the product. Give it a look if youre interested in learning more! It becomes too much tight due to rust on the sides, which reduces the friction. Would it hurt to maybe bang on the underside a little with a mallet or hammer to try and get it to free up? Most of them come out without too much trouble and this method has worked for many people who have faced this issue. Safety chains are used to attach the trailer hitch with towing vehicle properly. Its set up too tight and the moveable jaw can't close around the ball. If it free off the ball it should be Ok on the ball. M milkyway Chief Petty Officer Joined Then, apply lubricating oil to make them rust-free so that you can separate them easily. Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free! 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. Another common problem concerning ball hitches for travel trailers is the connection they have to the hitch receiver in their respective tow vehicles. So there is a nightmare for them to loosen this nut. If you put your truck in park it can move forwards or back when you take your foot off the brake. Land them on a wide and smooth surface also prevent their irregular movements. JavaScript is disabled. Its also easy to purchase bulk packs of WD-40 that contain up to 12 cans. Noticed I had to level the trailer. 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. Thanks for the post. your choice: a big hammer or a little grease! First - take the adjusting nut on the hitch and loosen it about 5 or 6 turns. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. My horse trailer has a bulldog coupler. Slowly roll tow vehicle forward and park. Solved my issue. Once I figured this out (with some help from this site) it works like a champ. Try moving either forward or backward just a tiny bit with the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure. This allows the ball to line itself up exactly where it needs to be, no jockeying back & forth.Next thing you know, the hitch pops off the ball. _____ In this condition, you need jacks to fix this problem. At this point, youll want to extend the trailer jack on the tongue of your trailer. 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. The disconnect is so violent. That is entirely up to you. Overall this is a great lubricant that can be used for a variety of automotive and home maintenance jobs. My dealer says this is normal? Many people like to use fields or lawns that are dotted with sturdy trees. Never knew whether I should pull forward or back. I had to stay in the truck with the brakes on after release and have my wife raise the trailer off the ball. Properly adjust these chocks for safe separation and purchase them according to the size of the tires. Just need a bit of leverage. 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. This gave me trouble as I was trying to just flip it up. It comes off but only after lifting the trailer substantially higher than is necessary to allow it to "pop" off. Location: Southern IL - across Mississippi from St. Louis. This video should help you out and explains what is happening when you have problems getting the hitch off the ball. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to remove these chains during a long journey, and it can cause a problem during unhitching. Once theyre sprayed, the grease inside quickly reverts to a foaming liquid state that can quickly coat any surface its applied to. Its also great for dissolving rust and adhesive substances. If this doesnt work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer. Just another thing to try. 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. Also helps getting rid of the minor fore and aft movement in the hitch. The rust comes on metal surfaces 2 to 3 times more than other materials. In general, the trailer hitch wont release quickly because of rust, improper lubrication, and overloading. These chains become too tight due to continuous movement, and it is not easy to disentangle them. They are attached to the coupler balls of the towing vehicle. Make it a habit to wipe it out with a paper towel before hitching up. It is designed to follow the ball curvature slightly under the ball. Step 1. 2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. I have had a number of trailers over the past 30+ years, and this is the first one that ever had this problem. 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.. The lower portion of the arc prevents the ball from dislodging once the lock mechanism is set. 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 moisture protection is another way that it prevents rust as well. Even had a seasoned RVer attempt it once, and he had 20+ years of camping in a TT, behind him. Not sure what you mean by backing into the chocks. Like clubhouse, I make sure the ball is in the front part of the coupler and have never had an issue. Soon to be 2018 Mallard M27 Owner - Hitch Height Question. Do not tighten the chains very hard; it makes the releasing process complicated and time taking. Due to unsmooth road surfaces, the trailer tongue binds with the coupler ball, and your trailer hitch wont release. When the towing vehicle is not used for hauling, and the coupler remains attached to them. Might be able to help with more specific information. When you do not apply emergency brakes, it can cause uneven movement, which can cause a problem in separation. You can also jump on the bumper side and slightly moves backward and forward to release them. What could be causing it? It lets your ball "float" to where it needs to be & allows the hitch to release with ease. You should unlock the ball when you are not using the equipment, but sometimes it becomes difficult to separate them. How to Detect Weak Fuel Pump on 7.3 Powerstroke. Trailer Hitch Ball Trailer Hitch Ball Standard Ball Chrome-Plated Steel 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank 2000 lbs GTW Class I Class II Draw-Tite more information > 2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs (1164 reviews) Code: 63845 Retail: $26.50 Our Price: $14.61 You also dont want to give yourself whiplash if your hitch doesnt come out on the first try. 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. The dust and dirt particles accumulate in them from the roadside. Disengage vehicle parking brake. Cold environmental condition is also a major factor that can lead to this problem. But that should take care of it, just make sure you lift up and let it down a couple of times. Do see if it is adjustable from below. It's time to connect your trailer coupler to the hitch ball. How Often Should You Change Your RV Tires. Next, subtract the height of the receiver from the height of the coupler. 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. 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. At Trucksauthority.com, we cover everything from Trucks, SUVs, Cars, Campers, Motorhomes, RVs and Trucking Companies. It is designed to insert into the side of the hitch receiver, pass through the ball mount shank and come out the other side. 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. Release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins to disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch. Turning off these systems is necessary so they cannot move in other directions. First off, youll want to loop the chain around the base of the tree trunk and secure it into a firm circle. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. It can also cause a problem during the unbinding process. The trailer should be fully loaded, ready for the road. Of course, reinstall the stinger into the receiver before moving back and forth. Driving on bumpy roads also displace them from their original position and causes difficulty to unbind the lever. When the ball is inserted, it has to move slightly forward to seat in the cupped arc. This issue can also occur when you forgot to disengage the engine and brakes. Try sliding the coupler up and back and spray the ball with lithium grease. I was thinking lock adjustment too tight also. It is next to impossible to do by hand. It is also crucial that you should also disengage the driveshaft. Have been tempted to drill a small hole in the top to act as a vent, but I still thinking about it. It is also beneficial to clean them with baking soda for better results. Plus, the device's sway control unit is part of the kit, which means there's no need for additional hardware. When I got out of the truck and it rolled forward a bit it got stuck again. Are you able to raise it high enough? Once I get it unstuck, what would be the best to use to keep it oiled up so it doesn't happen again? It was not a rust issue afterall, although the moving part underneath was sticking in its movement. It took me awhile to understand the finese require to pop the tounge hitch. Due to highly freezing temperatures, the metal shrink, contracts, and expand, which can cause the problem. Dont go too crazy, but start to apply firm pressure and build up a little momentum. If the ball is pushing to the rear of the coupler then the coupler has a hard time fully disengaging. 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. Remove your hitch pin. Copyright 2002-2016 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved. Very confusing question. Be sure that all elements of the hitch are well greased. Now it is not easy to disengage them quickly from the coupler ball. https://www.jaycoowners.com/album.php?albumid=329. Deal with that thing once you're warm with camp set up and a beer in hand. 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. Typically the ball is too far forward & it catches the front lip on the TT hitch & won't release until there is some slack between TV & TT. Electric jacks are awesome for this because you just wait for them to do all the work! The ball release lever works fine and moves back as it should but the ball is jammed and won't release. Before I got my trailer from storage, I put some lithium grease on the ball hoping to avoid the problem. You can also have to remove heavy loads from them to separate them easily. In most cases, this method should do the trick! EAZ LIFT 48069 Elite Kit. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. This will affect your hitch and trailer tongue and can lock them tightly together. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO2SMj_zJ4Y, This post was updated on April 28th, 2021, WD-40 490026 Multi-Use Product with Smart Straw. 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. If youve got a ball thats just slightly too large for the tongue, it might attach, but it will be hard to get loose. Find a socket to fit and loosen that up one round then sit it back down on ball. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. Torzanne, JandJ92010 has the answer for you! Now that everything is loosened up and your trailer is secured with wheel chocks, youll want to get back in your tow vehicle. An anti-rattle installs tightly against the shank to keep it from vibrating inside the receiver. Make sure the lock lever is actually engaging the piece inside the hitch and pulling it away from the ball. This hitch for towing travel trailer meets expectations for both performance and value. Whenever I see a thread about this I wonder if the ball is back in coupler. Nice video, clear and simple. Helpful Expert Reply: The Tow Ready 2 inch Hitch Ball # 19258 includes a 1-1/8 inch nut. Parking in open garages also makes them corroded due to more humidity. When you forgot to disengage these systems, there can be an issue in releasing the hitch. The most common sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments. Was't told to do this before, but will from now on. At this point, the top of the hitch ball should be about an inch higher than the top of the trailer's coupler. Cookie Notice Make sure that you have enough room for your car to maneuver out of once youre disconnected. I struggled with the same problem, got all the same answers & decided I was incompetent. Jump on the trailer tongues to disengage them from balls. 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. Didn't seem to help. I have had similar problems with my hitch. So I hitch and unhitch these things quite a bit. 90% of the time, it's the angle between the ball and the trailer hitch. Similar to Grumpy, we also had some paint in the coupler and getting rid of that also made a big difference. If it is not, adjust the height of the . I tried moving forward/backward and that didn't work either. Also check the coupler for excessive paint or powder coat. My problem was operator error. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Dumb question but do you have the rear stabilizers lowered ? Sometimes it is slightly upward from towing SUV and sometimes moves downward. Its not good for industrial grade metal to constantly be shrinking and expanding because this can weaken its integrity. Someone on here told me about this trick & it works EVERY time. If the measurement is negative, you need to drop the . I have this same problem. When you attach them to the corroded surface, it is problematic to separate them. Try this next time you hook up. Driving the towing vehicles on bumpy roads also makes problems in releasing of hitch. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. Now we get to the fun part. 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. 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. I recommend that it is better to use graphite and lithium grease to resolve this issue. 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 . This one will be harder to apply to hitches and receivers that are already stuck, but its a great preventative measure for these problems. Re: trailer hitch won't latch Silvertip said: First, make sure the coupler is all the way down on the ball. '05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed. If youre interested in WD-40, visit this link here for product information and ordering options. After a few tries, your hitch should pop free from the receiver. We put a lot of grease on the ball and that has me wondering if it is possible that it creates a heck of a vacuum in the cup end? Once the wheels on my truck started to lift off the ground, it was obvious "just keep lifting it" wasn't working. Rust is one of the biggest culprits of stuck trailer equipment. You can try moving slightly forward or backward to relieve the tension. Pitch angle of the tv can be tricky too when unhitching! Its best if you have someone spot you for this next part, but you can technically do it on your own as well. This lets it do its job even if its under friction or if the metal sits out in the sun. The dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when I purchased it. My 2014 W hawk has the same problem. This seems to be a common issue we hear on the forum area. You don't want it to be to loose.
