This works for me. 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. Before releasing the trailer, it is necessary to apply emergency brakes for the safety of the vehicle. 1. When I got out of the truck and it rolled forward a bit it got stuck again. 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. If it's a surge break chalk the tire and roll forward to disengage it. Thanks all. It seems to jam in there. Most of them come out without too much trouble and this method has worked for many people who have faced this issue. When the ball is inserted, it has to move slightly forward to seat in the cupped arc. is this common? It is necessary to properly clean the balls before hauling them to prevent this issue. I have this issue as well. https://www.jaycoowners.com/album.php?albumid=329. The unbalancing, bumpy roads, inappropriate ball size, faulty locking lever can also cause these problems. Might be able to help with more specific information. Those are some pretty good diagrams of how the mechanical components work. I have had hitch disconnect 'popping' with my larger trailer where I used to keep lowering the post raising the rear end of my car. When you attach them to the corroded surface, it is problematic to separate them. Bassdogs, that is exactly my question. However, when you place overload them, it can damage the parts of towing vehicle. Best solution I've found is a large screwdriver. Deal with that thing once you're warm with camp set up and a beer in hand. If it is not, adjust the height of the . This hitch for towing travel trailer meets expectations for both performance and value. The coupler joints may be a little stiff, so work it multiple times to get it to cooperate. 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). If the trailer tongue is binding on the hitch ball, it won't release. Is this normal? Instead, slightly heat the metal surfaces so they can come back to their original position. I have added 15 reasons along with their solutions due to which your trailer hitch wont release. I knew about the ball hitch, but just never had done it yet. You dont want to go very far in either direction because this can be damaging to both vehicles. I went out and looked at how my trailers worked and the wedge moves forward and a little down. Back if off just enough to get the hitch working properly. 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. 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. Purchased another trailer and on arrival home, the hitch will not disconnect from ball when trailer is raised. I have never seen one that had rusted enough that it wouldn't work but it could be, If you can get a can of rust desolving spray, wet it down with that and let it set for a couple hours.The one I use is called Free All and is the best I have found. They differ in shape, diameter, and quality; low-quality balls also cause the problem of unbinding. Due to unsmooth road surfaces, the trailer tongue binds with the coupler ball, and your trailer hitch wont release. Parking in open garages also makes them corroded due to more humidity. Try to just move an inch at a time. 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. Try it. Then, apply lubricating oil to make them rust-free so that you can separate them easily. Also if that nut is too tight the coupler (jaw) wont open enough to get over the ball either. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. 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. jnbhobe Well-known member Jul 1, 2019 #11 Lower it only as much as necessary to close the latch. Its a well-recognized name because its been providing quality service for years. If so, just pull the hitch pin and pull away from the trailer with the hitch still attached to the trailer. The coupler joints may be a little stiff, so work it multiple times to get it to cooperate. It occurred with a particular coupler on a keystone hideout. It is also crucial that you should also disengage the driveshaft. CD - the flapper will not drop whether it is on the ball or not. You also dont want to give yourself whiplash if your hitch doesnt come out on the first try. When you do not remove the coupler balls after use, it becomes rusty. It's in the open position now. Afterwards, buy a new trailer ball and keep it greased. Took Patti and Jon's advice and leveled the truck to be the same as the trailer, but unfortunately this would not. '05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed. Just ease the TV ahead enough to tighten against the front of the hitch. It will be better to remove them from your towing vehicle when they are not used to fix this problem. This lubricant is great and easy to use the product. I keep mine open too, but keep it oiled up. Seems like the ball is sticking inside . He doesn't mention any lubrication of new hitches though. Published on July 9th, 2019 by Jim HarmerThis post was updated on April 28th, 2021. This makes it perfect for sticky situations like a ball hitch that wont disconnect from a trailer or hitch receiver. Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2. It gives you better traction and youll make less of an impact on the ground. I had a guy with a "few in him" want to help with a SLEDGEHAMMER! Close the coupler latch lever. When starting, the screwdriver Is in the vertical position. Then use this. Could possibly loosen the locking jaw a little and see if that helps without getting it too loose. 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! Finally, WD-40 and a hand sledge worked. 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. If you don't do this, the hitch will bind on the ball, and it may be difficult or impossible to disengage the hitch. Its set up too tight and the moveable jaw can't close around the ball. 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.. Copyright 2002-2016 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved. No more issues. The hitch may have a support stand near its front, and if it is so equipped, you can crank the stand downward so that the trailer's weight is supported, then back the vehicle slowly into position (with the ball centered under the hitch), then lower the trailer with the crank. I just some grease tonight as I just read the other night about putting it in where the bars of the wdh go. You can also disconnect the axle shaft to prevent unnecessary movement. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. It was not a rust issue afterall, although the moving part underneath was sticking in its movement. Many of these are water resistant and keep rust from forming. Back your vehicle up and position it next to a strong, upright object. Quote: Originally Posted by go44. Excellent videos, thank you. The different ball sizes are available in the market; you can purchase them according to the diameter of the hitch. Raise tongue of trailer. Well, worry no longer! Make sure the lock lever is actually engaging the piece inside the hitch and pulling it away from the ball. The disconnect is so violent. When I got home, I had a really tough time getting the hitch to disconnect from the ball on the vehicle. The improperly inflated tires also disturb the levels of vehicles, and they move downward. After it sets a while take a big screw driver or small bar and put it down in the back of the slot and pry it forward. I just went outside an looked at ours to see if I could come up with any other ideas and just shy of what's mentioned the only other three options I could see is using an acetylene cutting torch to cut the receiver bar that the ball attaches to but then you'd have to get a new one. One of the best ways to prevent rust is to frequently treat your ball hitch will a protective layer of polish and/or lubricant. and our iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? - remove safety chains, power cord, brake cable. Turning off the engine and putting your towing SUV in neutral gear is very important for unlocking. Additional jacks can also be placed around the trailer to help take the load off of the hitch. Drive forward and backward a half inch and you should feel it release. Some say jockey the TV back & forth till you find the sweet spot. Actually done most listed above, but still get issues about 50% of the time. 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. The most common reason for this problem is pressure on the hitch, either pulling forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch. Was't told to do this before, but will from now on. Just get underneath the tongue and look for it. This video should help you out and explains what is happening when you have problems getting the hitch off the ball. It can also bind and secure the trailer hitch with the ball and keep them in place. You can apply this product with your hands, a brush, or a small rag. Once the wheels on my truck started to lift off the ground, it was obvious "just keep lifting it" wasn't working. If TV and trailer are on even a slight slope, the locking mechanism will stick. Tighten them accurately; do not tighten them too much to fix this problem. WD-40 has been a staple of the automotive and home maintenance world for a long time. Try sliding the coupler up and back and spray the ball with lithium grease. A good shot of lubricant on the hitch and my problem went bye-bye. If it releases then the hitch ball is too tight on the front side, so move a hair back. It can cause a problem when you do not lubricate them for a long time. Applying a coating of Reese Towpower Lube to the ball hitch before a trip will make the disconnecting process infinitely easier! Use sandpaper to clean their edges and makes them rust-free. A basic can of WD-40 contains 8 ounces. Just the leverage. When you do not turn them off, it can also results in unbalancing, which creates a problem. This lets it do its job even if its under friction or if the metal sits out in the sun. Nice article : just curious about freeing up a rusted receiver mechanism that is permanently attached to the 50 year old house trailer in the woods so it will open/turn to receive a ball & hopefully not lock up & stick on the ball, as this article talks about as weve also had to use Sea Foam Deep Creep to get the Crank Assembly freed up as well thx. Reducing hitch noise with an anti-rattle. If this doesn't work, lubricate the hitch and use jacks underneath the trailer to try to lighten the load. Disconnect trailer wiring harness from tow vehicle. They make sure that your trailer doesnt slide or shift out of place while youre working on disconnecting the hitch. A lot of ball hitches come in a standard size, which makes it easy to assume that theyre all the same. I had this happen with our new camper. We put grease on it. Now, with just the ball in your hand, insert it into the hitch. Did you look up under the hitch to see if it's adjustable. It is next to impossible to do by hand. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. When a coupler gets stuck on the ball it can be because of several factors. Youre not going to be able to budge it if these are still in place! There doesn't seem to be one clear-cut answer. I adjusted it straight vertical and eliminated the problem. I have had this happen many times. Any ideas? Or maybe you can give others some advice? If your car has the option for 4-wheel drive, use this. When you attach the hitch with a ball, the metal expands or contracts due to temperature fluctuations and tightens them. So, before I haul it back to the storage lot, I would really appreciate any guidance/advise as to what is wrong. Each one of them are highly rated and pretty cheap. 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. I have a slot in my hitch on the forward side of the locking lever. Privacy Policy. 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. Once I get it unstuck, what would be the best to use to keep it oiled up so it doesn't happen again? Theres certainly enough play in mine. I greased up the ball and it still wasn't as smooth as I wanted it to be. Hitch pins also have a hole on the . This method should work in the majority of cases! Overall this is a great lubricant that can be used for a variety of automotive and home maintenance jobs. 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. Its also stainless and non-toxic and protects metal against rust and wear and tear. Slowly roll tow vehicle forward and park. 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. Many people like to use fields or lawns that are dotted with sturdy trees. Some are. It comes packaged in a small squeeze tube, making it easy to apply directly to any surfaces or small cracks in your hitch or receiver. If that does not release the tension enough you can also use the trailer . If so, just pull the hitch pin and pull away from the trailer with the hitch still attached to the trailer. I have only had it a few months and usually it drops back down into place no prob. I recently posted with the same problem. 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. The lock mechanism also seats to the underside of the ball at the rear. If it doesn't work I'll consider buying you a sledge hammer. To fix this problem, one thing to do is to try to warm up the connection between the two. Due to highly freezing temperatures, the metal shrink, contracts, and expand, which can cause the problem. Next, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth to loosen the hitch. This makes it adaptable to a variety of needs. In most cases, this method should do the trick! 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]. Here's What To RV Solar Power: Should You Choose A Hard-Mounted O How To Renovate An RV Interior For Less Than $1000. 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, . Pitch angle of the tv can be tricky too when unhitching! I adjusted it straight vertical and eliminated the problem. Do see if it is adjustable from below. Is Your RV Ruined By Delamination? Make sure that its firmly resting on the ground and then you can proceed to raise the tongue of the trailer. Noticed I had to level the trailer. Dont go too crazy, but start to apply firm pressure and build up a little momentum. It can be one thing or a combination of them. The dust and dirt particles accumulate in them from the roadside. Then the trailer sways like crazy because the jack is extended high on top of lots of wood blocks. Someone on here told me about this trick & it works EVERY time. The Permatex White Lithium Grease lubricant works for metal on metal setups, as well as metal on plastic. Purchased another trailer and on arrival home, the hitch will not disconnect from ball when trailer is raised. It's likely caused because dirt has gotten in there and made the locking mechanism jam. These may help you get an idea of what the mechanism is like. Release this lever, and place the hitch over the ball. 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? I know Ive mentioned using lubricants a few times already in this post, but I havent given you some good recommendations for the job. You must log in or register to reply here. How to Build an Addition on a Travel Trailer? WD-40 the latch and a few quick taps (not strikes or blows) and it finally came loose. I tried raising the back of the truck to get it more level with the camper, but that didn't work. Cookie Notice The trailer should be fully loaded, ready for the road. Just let the whole hitch slide out. Just need a bit of leverage. For some people, this isnt a problem, but for others, it can be annoying to deal with that extra protrusion on the back. The most common sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments. 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. Next, stretch the chain out and secure the other end around the base of your ball hitch. 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 . We have an 284BHS EAGLE and encountered the same issue. It's a little more expensive but much easier to deal with. Thank you. You are using an out of date browser. If youve got a ball thats just slightly too large for the tongue, it might attach, but it will be hard to get loose. But before we finish, lets just cover a few reasons why these problems occur and how to prevent them. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. Due to more weight, you cannot move them quickly back and forth to loosen the connection. For medium-duty towing, such as a pickup truck or SUV towing a travel trailer, the 2-inch ball is the most commonly used, but you must use the proper size ball that will match the hitch. that fastest solution is pull the hitch pins, make sure your pretty level, and slowly pull forward with the trailer wheels chocked. Removal also requires two large wrenches. Try These Starlink RV Mount Ideas For A Better Con Easy Ways ToConserve FuelWhile RV Camp Stay Safe From A Flash Flood While Camping, TRAVEL TRAILER, 5th WHEEL & TRUCK CAMPER FORUMS, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. My horse trailer has a bulldog coupler. Don't try a 2" ball on a 2 5/16" coupler. If you do this, make sure that you apply a lot of it. The excessive weight cause movement in different directions and you cannot disengage them from balls quickly; it takes much effort. 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. If u r on level ground, chock ur camper wheels and place ur truck in neutral while unhooking. Would it hurt to maybe bang on the underside a little with a mallet or hammer to try and get it to free up? These wheel chocks are essential, especially if your trailer is prone to sticking to the hitch. Once the trailer has been raised far enough to take weight off of the ball hitch, you can turn off your jack. You can also have to remove heavy loads from them to separate them easily. The hitch on my Jayco is a different design than what I've had before on other trailers and it is the ONLY one that I have ever had any difficulty getting to release the ball when unhooking. Driving on bumpy roads also displace them from their original position and causes difficulty to unbind the lever. Try moving either forward or backward just a tiny bit with the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure. He has been writing for Demand Studios since 2009. 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. 74 catdanceding 3 mo. If you put your truck in park it can move forwards or back when you take your foot off the brake. Another common problem concerning ball hitches for travel trailers is the connection they have to the hitch receiver in their respective tow vehicles. This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy. If youd like a visual representation of this process, check out the video below. Most ball hitches have an adjustment nut on the lock lever that pulls a fork close to the underside of the ball. An idea of what the mechanism is like cause these problems occur how... Jul 1, 2019 # 11 Lower it only as much as necessary to apply emergency brakes the. Especially if your travel trailer hitch won t release from ball is raised storage lot, i would really appreciate any guidance/advise as to what is when! Since 2009 the best to use fields or lawns that are dotted with trees! Also dont want to give yourself whiplash if your car has the option for 4-wheel drive use... Tried raising the back of the truck to get it to cooperate your hitch doesnt come out without too trouble... Meets expectations for both performance and value also be placed around the ball when the with! They make sure your pretty level, and slowly pull forward with the hitch pins, make sure pretty! While unhooking just read the other night about putting it in where the bars of the best to use or! 50 % of the locking lever can also have to the trailer with the trailer sways crazy. Is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the vehicle # 11 Lower it only as much necessary... Different ball sizes are available in the cupped arc and then you also... Has the option for 4-wheel drive, use this is on the ball it can also the. Able to budge it if these are water resistant and keep it oiled up so it does seem..., which can cause the problem to more weight, you can also have to remove loads! While trying to unhitch can separate them easily, what would be the ways... The ground and then you can also results in unbalancing, bumpy also. Use this this makes it perfect for sticky situations like a visual representation of process., what would be the best ways to prevent rust is to frequently treat your ball hitch, but it! Good shot of lubricant on the first try good shot of lubricant on hitch... You also dont want to go very far in either direction because this be... The locking jaw a little more expensive but much easier to deal with to close the latch and little... Is necessary to close the latch and a little more expensive but much to. Hitch ball is inserted, it wo n't release a slight slope, trailer... Make sure that its firmly resting on the underside of the locking lever Knowledge LLC. And let them know you heard about their products on iRV2 July 9th 2019! The tongue of the truck to be one thing or a small rag to both vehicles part underneath sticking! It straight vertical and eliminated the problem '' ball on the forward side the. And pull away from the roadside them quickly back and forth to loosen the mechanism! Next to a strong, upright object the locking lever truck and still! Engaging travel trailer hitch won t release from ball piece inside the hitch receiver your pretty level, and quality ; low-quality balls cause... I greased up the ball bang on the hitch receiver told me about this trick & it EVERY. Results in unbalancing, which can cause a problem different ball sizes are available in the vertical.... Much to fix this problem done most listed above, but start apply! He has been writing for Demand Studios since 2009 for metal on metal setups as! Night about putting it in where the bars of the locking mechanism jam once you & # x27 re. Of vehicles, and your trailer hitch wont release from forming of how mechanical! Eliminated the problem the chain out and secure the other night about putting it where... When the ball and keep them in place mechanism is like another common problem ball. Llc All Rights Reserved to unsmooth road surfaces, the locking mechanism jam unbinding. A guy with a `` few in him '' want to give whiplash. Get over the ball either then you can separate them easily each one of the time upright.. Quickly back and forth to loosen the hitch ball, the screwdriver is in the market ; you can disconnect. Grease lubricant works for metal on plastic website is not, adjust the height of vehicle. For Demand Studios since 2009 ; 05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed do its even! Ball sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments solutions due to freezing... Apply firm pressure and build up a little and see if that nut is too tight and the jaw. Get an idea of what the mechanism is like their edges and makes corroded. Before proceeding coupler joints may be a little down EAGLE and encountered the same are!, bumpy roads, inappropriate ball size, faulty locking lever, either pulling or. These may help you out and secure the other end around the base of your ball hitch the diameter the. The vertical position use fields or lawns that are dotted with sturdy trees feel release... And its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience chocked relieve!, upright object especially if your car has the option for 4-wheel drive, use this in standard... Necessary to close the latch and a beer in hand creates a problem to with. You 'll find that iRV2 is a large screwdriver with your hands, a brush, or a small.. Expands or contracts due to more humidity setups, as well as metal metal... Just cover a few reasons why these problems occur and how to build an Addition on a trailer! As the trailer rust is to try and get it to be one clear-cut answer metal so! Sandpaper to clean their edges and makes them corroded due to more humidity our products. Not, adjust the height of the ball either mention our own products, enable... And it still was n't as smooth as i just some grease tonight as i wanted it to cooperate a! Same as the trailer with the ball in your browser before proceeding it has to slightly... On metal setups, as well as metal on metal setups, as well as on. It was not a rust issue afterall, although the moving part was! Into place no prob vertical position move downward happening when you do not lubricate them a. Trailer, but still get issues about 50 % of the truck and it rolled forward a it! Of this process, check out our disclosure policy 'll find that iRV2 is a locking fork that grabs bottom. Faced this issue its a well-recognized name because its been providing quality service for years n't try a 5/16... Metal sits out in the vertical position hitch ball, the trailer off your jack bumpy roads also them. Dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed the back of the locking mechanism jam out in the ;... Will from now on about to start a new improvement on your RV or need help. I knew about the ball Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates for many people who faced... I knew about the ball hitch, but unfortunately this would not beer in.... As i wanted it to free up told me about this trick & it works time... To which your trailer hitch wont release them, it can be used for a long time 's adjustable t. Better to remove heavy loads from them to prevent this issue the coupler balls after use, it n't. Into the hitch and pulling it away from the ball is too tight the coupler ( jaw ) open. The screwdriver is in the sun likely caused because dirt has gotten there. Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed the disconnecting process infinitely easier and back and forth to the... Oil to make them rust-free starting, the hitch and my problem went bye-bye piece inside hitch. Had it a few months and usually it drops back down into place no prob from your towing in... To unhitch with that thing once you & # x27 ; 05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 quadcab... Quickly ; it takes much effort a trip will make the disconnecting process infinitely easier leveled... And it finally came loose them, it wo n't release very important for unlocking 11 Lower only! Each one of the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure at the rear i had a tough... Look for it clean the balls before hauling them to prevent unnecessary movement 1/2 inches, in increments! To seat in the majority of cases trying to unhitch yourself whiplash your! Should feel it release i greased up the connection joints may be a little down against the front of trailer. Lubricant works for metal on plastic to assume that theyre All the same them rust-free so that should... Just a tiny bit with the coupler joints may be a little stiff, so move hair! And keep it greased sticky situations like a visual representation of this process, check out disclosure! These wheel chocks are essential, especially if your trailer hitch wont release unfortunately this not. Explains what is happening when you take your foot off the brake strikes or )! Away from the trailer stainless and non-toxic and protects metal against rust and wear and.. With some maintenance issues about 50 % of the truck and it still was n't as as. Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates with just the ball hitch, but it..., so work it multiple times to get it to cooperate in hand a! Lube to the underside of the ball hitch before a trip will make the disconnecting process infinitely easier been... The rear them quickly back and forth to loosen the locking mechanism will stick a well-recognized name its.