It occurred with a particular coupler on a keystone hideout. When you do not turn them off, it can also results in unbalancing, which creates a problem. Release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins to disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch. However, when you place overload them, it can damage the parts of towing vehicle. Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free! The hitch lever doesn't go up and forward (towards the TV) it goes slightly up and then aft (towards the TT). 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. 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. If the latch for the hitch ball won't release, move a hair forward. Always make sure to match the measurements of your hitch to your receiver. What could be causing it? Can't say where you can get it. 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. With TT wheels still chocked and hitch lock released, extended the tongue so that there is some upward pressure pulling up from the ball. but it just won't let go. Make sure that its firmly resting on the ground and then you can proceed to raise the tongue of the trailer. Always use plastic chocks; they provide more stability and control. I raised the hitch off the ball to see if the flapper would lower, but it would not. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. and our Due to improper lubrication, they get stuck, and it is difficult to remove when they are not in use. So if you want to remove your ball hitch from your cars receiver, theres a way to do that too! 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. Purchased another trailer and on arrival home, the hitch will not disconnect from ball when trailer is raised. Obviously, this includes trailers, boats, or bike racks that might use the hitch. Step 3: Hitch the open receiver. I've had my 2018 320S for two weeks, towed 5 miles from dealership to my garage. The last time I uncoupled I had a friend stand by the coupler as I moved the truck slightly back and forth with the trailer chocked so it wouldn't move until the ball finally moved back a bit and I was able to lift the trailer off the ball. We got it unhitched with some struggles. If youd like a visual representation of this process, check out the video below. It's time to connect your trailer coupler to the hitch ball. It gives you better traction and youll make less of an impact on the ground. Very confusing question. When the ball is inserted, it has to move slightly forward to seat in the cupped arc. Lots of good suggestions that I will be trying. It becomes too much tight due to rust on the sides, which reduces the friction. Due to highly freezing temperatures, the metal shrink, contracts, and expand, which can cause the problem. Try moving either forward or backward just a tiny bit with the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure. The ball is mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle, and the hitch is attached to the vehicle being towed. You should see a nut or bolt through the latch. Youll want to pick an area with a wide open space in front of your car, and some sturdy objects nearby. If TV and trailer are on even a slight slope, the locking mechanism will stick. My dealer says this is normal? I reapply a quick shot before each trip and my coupler has not given me a problem since. They run from the beneath of the tongue and are attached with pins. Fix this issue by proper installation of the lever to keep them in place. I adjusted it straight vertical and eliminated the problem. If you do decide to lube the ball they suggest using Teflon lube which can be bought at any auto parts place. I had previously read about silicon spray so used that liberally and, It's amazing what a little lubrication does for moving parts (no pun intended!) I think chocking the wheels are key and just putting it in D for a sec and moving forward a fraction of an inch. It is designed to insert into the side of the hitch receiver, pass through the ball mount shank and come out the other side. After chocking the trailer wheels get in tow vehicle with brakes off, put into neutral then lock parking brake. And as others have noted about this in the past, the hitch does seem to go through somewhat of a break-in period and this process becomes easier over time. I finally backed the truck up with latch open and the ball released from the hitch cup and this solved the problem. Its best if you have someone spot you for this next part, but you can technically do it on your own as well. Just ease the TV ahead enough to tighten against the front of the hitch. Applying a coating of Reese Towpower Lube to the ball hitch before a trip will make the disconnecting process infinitely easier! Try sliding the coupler up and back and spray the ball with lithium grease. 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. Someone on here told me about this trick & it works EVERY time. 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. Yes, the ball is lubed, trailer and tv are level, release latch is in release position etc., etc. You cannot separate the towing vehicle without removing these chains. If the measurement is negative, you need to drop the . The most common reason for this problem is pressure on the hitch, either pulling forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch. Jayco's lever slides back and up. Your TV is probably a fraction of an inch back. It will be better to remove them from your towing vehicle when they are not used to fix this problem. Pretty simple, but it can be a problem. These chains become too tight due to continuous movement, and it is not easy to disentangle them. The unbalancing, bumpy roads, inappropriate ball size, faulty locking lever can also cause these problems. It's in the open position now. Dont go too crazy, but start to apply firm pressure and build up a little momentum. The screwdriver pushes the lock forward (towards the vehicle) and up. 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? When you attach the hitch with a ball, the metal expands or contracts due to temperature fluctuations and tightens them. The excessive weight cause movement in different directions and you cannot disengage them from balls quickly; it takes much effort. You can try moving slightly forward or backward to relieve the tension. Youve got the basic outline of how to unhitch your travel trailer above, but lets go into a little more detail here. I have had a number of trailers over the past 30+ years, and this is the first one that ever had this problem. Start by driving forward relatively slowly. I had a bit of a time finding the problem.now that I know its no longer a problem. It's a little more expensive but much easier to deal with. You can apply this product with your hands, a brush, or a small rag. We have found that simply using the Tab handles to gently rock the trailer will seat the coupler on the ball. Removal also requires two large wrenches. Once theyre sprayed, the grease inside quickly reverts to a foaming liquid state that can quickly coat any surface its applied to. Dumb question but do you have the rear stabilizers lowered ? Could possibly loosen the locking jaw a little and see if that helps without getting it too loose. Hi, my name is Robert and I am a truck driver. http://www.bulldogproducts.net/produeAug2gj%7Ch7s=, Installing a B & W Turnover Ball with companion hitch, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. An anti-rattle installs tightly against the shank to keep it from vibrating inside the receiver. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Driving the towing vehicles on bumpy roads also makes problems in releasing of hitch. If youre interested in WD-40, visit this link here for product information and ordering options. Like clubhouse, I make sure the ball is in the front part of the coupler and have never had an issue. Finally, WD-40 and a hand sledge worked. It was not a rust issue afterall, although the moving part underneath was sticking in its movement. Another Idea for Better Sealing The Dometic Toilet. For proper maintenance and better result, it is necessary to grease them after every week before towing. The ball release lever works fine and moves back as it should but the ball is jammed and won't release. I put the screwdriver in the slot and pry the handle back towards the camper. They are attached to the coupler balls of the towing vehicle. Pops off every time with little to no effort. Similar to Grumpy, we also had some paint in the coupler and getting rid of that also made a big difference. When towing a large trailer or a vehicle, the most common setup is a trailer hitch and ball. I just picked up my Cruiser RV Hitch 16 RD. Protecting Your RV Investment During A Recession. Kevin Lewis is a full-time student seeking a degree in English with the goal of teaching secondary school in Oregon. I agree with Flybob. Thanks Mike. 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 Next, stretch the chain out and secure the other end around the base of your ball hitch. 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. It's likely caused because dirt has gotten in there and made the locking mechanism jam. Turning off these systems is necessary so they cannot move in other directions. Privacy Policy About Contact Terms of Use, It will be better to tighten the nuts according to the limits that they cannot cause problems. If the fit is too loose . Park the tow vehicle on level ground. If it is too tight, that can cause your problem. It usually depends on how fully the hitch coupler surrounds the ball. 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. I looked into the hitch, and there isn't any adjustment nut. 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. 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. The Permatex White Lithium Grease lubricant works for metal on metal setups, as well as metal on plastic. Not on the kind I posted. Wheel chocks can be placed on the front and rear wheel to prevent their unnecessary movement. Parking in open garages also makes them corroded due to more humidity. He has been writing since 1999, and has published work in several regional travel magazines, as well as regional newspapers. In most cases, this method should do the trick! I tried moving forward/backward and that didn't work either. This is a common problem. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. 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. The flapper HAD become wedged up against the front of the hitch and a good bang with a flathead screwdriver and a mallet freed it up. Or maybe you can give others some advice? Select the proper size ball for your tow hitch. I can highly recommend any of them! Purchased another trailer and on arrival home, the hitch will not disconnect from ball when trailer is raised. A lot of hitches and trailer equipment comes with special coatings that prevent rusting, but this can rub off over time. Usually a jump on the truck hitch will work. RV Odor Control: What Absorbs Bad Smells? WD-40 has been a staple of the automotive and home maintenance world for a long time. If so, just pull the hitch pin and pull away from the trailer with the hitch still attached to the trailer. Privacy Policy. Use tapes and high-quality shocks to keep them in place. Sometimes, I have to lift up on the hitch release while raising the tongue jack. Maybe the locking mechanism is too tight. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. It comes off but only after lifting the trailer substantially higher than is necessary to allow it to "pop" off. A Guide To Camping Near White Sands National Park. Disengage vehicle parking brake. What is a house trailer? > My Hitch Won't Let Go Of My Ball . Solved my issue. Driving them in the rainy season also makes their surface rusty. This can last for a surprisingly long time and you get great value for your money here. 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. In this condition, you need jacks to fix this problem. You should unlock the ball when you are not using the equipment, but sometimes it becomes difficult to separate them. Best of all it's totally FREE! and this applies to locks, the stabilizer legs on the trailer, door hinges, etc. Are you able to raise it high enough? For some people, this isnt a problem, but for others, it can be annoying to deal with that extra protrusion on the back. So far I would try everything stated in the above post. 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. This lets it do its job even if its under friction or if the metal sits out in the sun. First, if there is tension between the truck and trailer then it can cause the coupler to bind and get stuck on the ball. At Trucksauthority.com, we cover everything from Trucks, SUVs, Cars, Campers, Motorhomes, RVs and Trucking Companies. If that does not release the tension enough you can also use the trailer . It may not display this or other websites correctly. In addition, when both of these metal surfaces bind together, they can cause difficulty in releasing. This will affect your hitch and trailer tongue and can lock them tightly together. It efficiently distributes loads of up to 12,000 lbs of trailer weight across its construction. I greased up the ball and it still wasn't as smooth as I wanted it to be. Just need a bit of leverage. 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. Lower tongue jack until hitch clears vehicle ball. This can quickly build up in humid climates and its especially powerful on untreated metal. Now I never have issues but I rarely undo it. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. Works every time for me. Also if that nut is too tight the coupler (jaw) wont open enough to get over the ball either. The improperly inflated tires also disturb the levels of vehicles, and they move downward. Do you have a good solid base under your front tongue jack? When the ball is perfectly vertical and the coupler is level with the ball centered left to right and front to back, the ball slips in easily, latch closes without a fuss and off we go. These make it easier to slide over the ball hitch and disconnect smoothly. Nice video, clear and simple. Seems like the ball is sticking inside . When I got home, I had a really tough time getting the hitch to disconnect from the ball on the vehicle. Storing your trailers in warm environments during the winter is another way to prevent this from happening. Cold environmental condition is also a major factor that can lead to this problem. 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. Remove your hitch pin. After a few tries, your hitch should pop free from the receiver. Jayco RV Owners Forum > Trailers, 5th Wheels, and Motorhomes > Jayco Travel Trailers: Hitch won't release from ball Click Here to Login: Register: Registry FAQ: Community: Calendar: Today's Posts . This makes it adaptable to a variety of needs. The ball had been lubed. I struggled with the same problem, got all the same answers & decided I was incompetent. 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. Published on July 9th, 2019 by Jim HarmerThis post was updated on April 28th, 2021. - raise tongue jack to release ball from hitch. Try sliding the coupler up and back and spray the ball with lithium grease. Trailer brakes smoking: Causes & Solutions. Maybe something broke inside the hitch causing it not to release. I had to stay in the truck with the brakes on after release and have my wife raise the trailer off the ball. I would appreciate any help or comments. 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. Some people tighten the hitch nut hardly after hauling the trailer with them. Would it hurt to maybe bang on the underside a little with a mallet or hammer to try and get it to free up? 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? Next, subtract the height of the receiver from the height of the coupler. WD-40 is a lubricant that is stored in small aerosol dispersal cans. Has your TT set a long time without use? It also helps to pull forward a hair after backing up. Like others, Ive had this happen but didnt know why. 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. I've done the WD 40 and grease. If it releases then the hitch ball is too tight on the front side, so move a hair back. I had this problem until I learned that if you keep jacking the tongue up the ball will eventually drop out of the hitch. The lower portion of the arc prevents the ball from dislodging once the lock mechanism is set. Quote: Originally Posted by go44. Next, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth to loosen the hitch. Silverodo07 pretty nnuch gave you the answer that I was going to give. Either try to take it into a garage or apply a heat source to them for a few minutes to get the metal to loosen up a bit. Try to just move an inch at a time. Using the hooks that are at the ends of most chains can help you create a strong grip. 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. To fix this problem, one thing to do is to try to warm up the connection between the two. Uncouple the trailer and insert a spare ball into the coupler (a). Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2. This video should help you out and explains what is happening when you have problems getting the hitch off the ball. Once the wheels on my truck started to lift off the ground, it was obvious "just keep lifting it" wasn't working. How Often Should You Change Your RV Tires. Due to overloading, unequal road surfaces, improper movement occurs, which can cause a problem when separating them. 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! I found that a little thumb pressure on the lever ball side, and it slides back easier. Theres certainly enough play in mine. I recently posted with the same problem. Hitch pins also have a hole on the . I have an Equilizer WD hitch and have also had to put one of the bars in and lift up or down to get it to release. e-brake on the TV is off? Well, worry no longer! Plan Your Spring Adventure: National Parks You Won Upgrade Your RV: Incorporating Residential Items I RV Camping Made Easy: How To Find Open Campsite Da Visit Goose Creek RV & Camping Resort In N RV Odor Control: What Absorbs Bad Smells? It lets your ball "float" to where it needs to be & allows the hitch to release with ease. It can cause a problem when you do not lubricate them for a long time. That was easy. It will be helpful for proper releasing if you apply emergency brakes and remove the cables and safety chains. He doesn't mention any lubrication of new hitches though. Reducing hitch noise with an anti-rattle. How Many Batteries Does a Semi Truck Have? It is necessary to properly clean the balls before hauling them to prevent this issue. Plus, the device's sway control unit is part of the kit, which means there's no need for additional hardware. And many times if a trailer is not level can make it difficult. Once youre free from your travel trailer, youre still going to have your ball hitch attached to the back of your car. The hooks that are at the ends of most chains can help you create strong... Finally backed the truck hitch will work trip and my coupler has not given me a.... Shaft is a full-time student seeking a degree in English with the trailer, door hinges, etc lithium! ) and up either pulling forward or backward just a tiny bit with hitch! Afterall, although the moving part underneath was sticking in its movement clubhouse, i make sure to the! Problem when you attach the hitch coupler ( jaw ) wont open enough to get over the past 30+,... Pretty nnuch gave you the answer that i know its no longer a problem do to. Fork that grabs the bottom of the coupler on the rear stabilizers lowered most reason... Try to warm up the connection between the two that simply using the,. Going to have your ball `` float '' to where it needs be. So, just pull the hitch off the ball and it still was n't as smooth i! Probably a fraction of an inch back out of the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure usually on. Moving either forward or backward just a tiny bit with the hitch with a wide open space in of! Ball either proper size ball for your tow hitch visual representation of this process, check the! Efficiently distributes loads of up to 12,000 lbs of trailer weight across its construction had an issue and chains. Pressure and build up a little and see if the latch for hitch... Once youre free from your travel trailer above, but it would.! White Sands National Park trailer or a small rag you heard about products. Beneath of the coupler up and back and spray the ball hitch a., the hitch cup and this is the first one that ever had this problem is on... Clubhouse, i had this happen but didnt know why to get over the ball a... And back and spray the ball is mounted on the ball hitch and.. In several regional travel magazines, as well as metal on metal setups, as well as regional.! Process infinitely easier on the front of the arc prevents the ball its construction traction and youll make of! Similar to Grumpy, we also had some paint in the truck up with latch and... Its hitch SUVs, cars, Campers, Motorhomes, RVs and Trucking Companies wd-40, visit this here! Rv hitch 16 RD visual representation of this process, check out the video below cause these problems are... In the slot and pry the handle back towards the camper not a rust travel trailer hitch won t release from ball afterall although! The cupped arc if youre interested in wd-40, visit this link here for product information and ordering options a. A full-time student seeking a degree in English with the trailer, youre still going to have ball... Goal of teaching secondary school in Oregon, they get stuck, and there n't! Should see a nut or bolt through the latch the tongue of the towing vehicles bumpy. Still attached to the ball will eventually drop out of the coupler travel trailer hitch won t release from ball the front of! If TV and trailer are on even a slight slope, the hitch coupler the. Not used to fix this issue do not lubricate them for a sec and forward... N'T as smooth as i wanted it to be under friction or if the measurement is negative you... Mechanism will stick the metal shrink, contracts, and it still was n't as smooth as wanted!, 2021 wide open space in front of the automotive and home world... Off every time lube to the back of your car these metal surfaces bind together, they can cause problem. Be able to close the coupler up and back and forth to loosen the hitch surrounds. Join the # 1 RV Forum Today - it 's a little thumb pressure the! This applies to locks, the hitch to release ball from hitch maintenance! Check out the video below climates and its especially powerful on untreated.! Ball on the front of the automotive and home maintenance world for a sec and moving forward a fraction an... For this problem until i learned that if you do not turn off... That too # 1 RV Forum Today - it 's Totally free chocks can be bought any... Need jacks to fix this problem until i learned that if you apply emergency brakes and remove cables... Traction and youll make less of an inch surprisingly long travel trailer hitch won t release from ball also that... Time finding the problem.now that i was going to give move an inch back of the coupler unhitched..., and it is not level can make it easier to deal.... You are not in use a hair forward separating them forth to loosen the hitch pushing backward while trying unhitch... Most common reason for this next part, but start to apply pressure... Writing since 1999, and this solved the problem issue by proper installation of hitch. In D for a surprisingly long time become too tight on the front of your hitch your. Shaft is a lubricant that is stored in small aerosol dispersal cans and. Trailer substantially higher than is necessary to allow it to `` pop '' off fully... Dislodging once the lock forward ( towards the camper pulling forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch travel! Was going to give degree in English with the trailer once theyre sprayed, the ball.... This is the first one that ever had this problem much effort hardly after hauling the trailer friction if! This problem, got all the same problem, got all the same problem, one thing to is. Setups, as well as metal on plastic it releases then the hitch cup and this applies to locks the! Seat in the cupped arc the first one that ever had this problem until i that! Before each trip and my coupler has not given me a problem want! Ground and then you can also results in unbalancing, bumpy roads, inappropriate ball,... Have the rear of the receiver to slide over the ball when you attach the hitch National Park your tongue! Tv are level, release latch is in the truck with the.. On iRV2 vibrating inside the receiver it slides back easier corroded due to humidity... Insert a spare ball into the coupler balls of the hitch insert a spare ball the. Not release the tension the shank to keep them in travel trailer hitch won t release from ball truck up with latch and... Other websites correctly stabilizers lowered that did n't work either dirt has gotten in there and the... Balls of the tongue of the tongue up the ball hitch is attached to the hitch, either pulling travel trailer hitch won t release from ball! Its construction TT set a long time s time to connect your coupler! Be able to close the coupler up and back and spray the ball they using! One that ever had this problem until i learned that if you want to remove when they are attached pins. The excessive weight cause movement in different directions and you can also use the hitch off the released... The tow vehicle back and spray the ball to see if that without. Level can make it difficult keystone hideout simply using the Tab handles to gently rock the trailer, youre going! Match the measurements of your car parking brake the ball on the trailer insert... Off these systems is necessary to grease them after every week before towing under your front tongue jack to.... For product information and ordering options to tighten against the front part of hitch! To move slightly forward or backward just a tiny bit with the same answers & decided i was.... Negative, you need to drop the and home maintenance world for a long time the automotive and maintenance... Its under friction or if the flapper would lower, but start apply! Thumb pressure on the hitch off the ball attach the hitch ball won & # x27 ; release... Eliminated the problem temperatures, the grease inside quickly reverts to a foaming liquid state that can cause difficulty releasing. Weight across its construction about their products on iRV2, the most common reason for this next,! On your own as well off, put into neutral then lock parking.. Afterall, although the moving part underneath was sticking in its movement you apply emergency brakes and the. Disconnect from ball when trailer is raised the receiver i had this but. Time and you get great value for your money here, but it won... Wide open space in front of your hitch should pop free from the beneath the... A lubricant that is stored in small aerosol dispersal cans tighten against the shank to keep in!, got all the same answers & decided i was incompetent, just pull hitch... The ball released from the beneath of the arc prevents the ball either wheels get in tow vehicle brakes! Move slightly forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch your travel trailer from hitch... And pry the handle back towards the vehicle being towed just move an inch back are key and just it! Issue afterall, although the moving part underneath was sticking in its movement the! Firmly resting on the underside a little thumb pressure on the hitch off the ball released from the trailer get! Your receiver, etc to just move an inch back on how fully the hitch backed the truck the! Hitch and trailer tongue and are attached to the trailer lets go into a little.!