Nice video, clear and simple. My problem was operator error. You can try moving slightly forward or backward to relieve the tension. How Often Should You Change Your RV Tires. At Trucksauthority.com, we cover everything from Trucks, SUVs, Cars, Campers, Motorhomes, RVs and Trucking Companies. The unbalancing, bumpy roads, inappropriate ball size, faulty locking lever can also cause these problems. Jayco's lever slides back and up. To disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch, release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins. I have only had it a few months and usually it drops back down into place no prob. This makes it adaptable to a variety of needs. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. Uncouple the trailer and insert a spare ball into the coupler (a). Here's What To RV Solar Power: Should You Choose A Hard-Mounted O How To Renovate An RV Interior For Less Than $1000. 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! Overall this is a great lubricant that can be used for a variety of automotive and home maintenance jobs. Each one of them are highly rated and pretty cheap. One of the best ways to prevent rust is to frequently treat your ball hitch will a protective layer of polish and/or lubricant. 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. Due to more weight, you cannot move them quickly back and forth to loosen the connection. 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. In addition, when both of these metal surfaces bind together, they can cause difficulty in releasing. Purchased another trailer and on arrival home, the hitch will not disconnect from ball when trailer is raised. In general, the trailer hitch won't release quickly because of rust, improper lubrication, and overloading. Like others, Ive had this happen but didnt know why. That is entirely up to you. Cookie Notice Maybe something broke inside the hitch causing it not to release. How to Build an Addition on a Travel Trailer? Do see if it is adjustable from below. If you put your truck in park it can move forwards or back when you take your foot off the brake. When I got home, I had a really tough time getting the hitch to disconnect from the ball on the vehicle. Use sandpaper to clean their edges and makes them rust-free. M milkyway Chief Petty Officer Joined This is a common problem. This makes it perfect for sticky situations like a ball hitch that wont disconnect from a trailer or hitch receiver. This is a common problem. Are you able to raise it high enough? The hitch is binding. If the hitch remains firm, try driving backward and forward with a little more power. Quote: Originally Posted by go44. Now we get to the fun part. It will be better to tighten the nuts according to the limits that they cannot cause problems. 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. Why Wont My Trailer Hitch Release? Typically, a hitch pin is bent in an "L" shape. I've done the WD 40 and grease. 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!) The dust and dirt particles accumulate in them from the roadside. Jump on the trailer tongues to disengage them from balls. Thanks. I would appreciate any help or comments. 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. 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. 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. 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, . Luckily, there are a few basic things you can do to loosen up your hitch and make the disconnect easier. It will be helpful if you use a short-length chain and properly grease the chain to remove them quickly. Try this next time you hook up. The improperly inflated tires also disturb the levels of vehicles, and they move downward. 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 make sure that your trailer doesnt slide or shift out of place while youre working on disconnecting the hitch. I had problems with the ball releasing from the Hitch. When you do not remove the coupler balls after use, it becomes rusty. When starting, the screwdriver Is in the vertical position. It comes off but only after lifting the trailer substantially higher than is necessary to allow it to "pop" off. CD - the flapper will not drop whether it is on the ball or not. At this point, the hitch should usually disconnect from the trailer and youll be free to drive away. I get it from a friend that buys it by the case online. I know, this does not follow logic but I just had this happen. The ball release lever works fine and moves back as it should but the ball is jammed and won't release. Did you look up under the hitch to see if it's adjustable. When you move the coupler lever, it pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft. Safety chains are used to attach the trailer hitch with towing vehicle properly. Here's an interesting video that shows what it looks like underneath when latching/unlatching. It was next to impossible to get the TT off of the TV. As such, I found a great tool to have a hassle-free journey for my pickup and camper with EAZ Lift 48069 Elite Kit. It's likely caused because dirt has gotten in there and made the locking mechanism jam. After chocking the trailer wheels get in tow vehicle with brakes off, put into neutral then lock parking brake. Chocking is also necessary during this process so you can safely release them. If youve got a ball thats just slightly too large for the tongue, it might attach, but it will be hard to get loose. First things first, detach everything that might be adding weight onto the ball hitch. Help, yesterday I tried hooking up my trailer using a Reese 66069 WD hitch. Some people tighten the hitch nut hardly after hauling the trailer with them. Took Patti and Jon's advice and leveled the truck to be the same as the trailer, but unfortunately this would not. I'd definitely agree that taking the ball off might be really hard to get back on if you had to but that might be a viable option if like john said you can get the camper up high enough maybe even use a hi lift jack to do just dont let the handle hit you when using one cause it'll hurt like the dickens. - remove safety chains, power cord, brake cable. Lift lever on tongue ball lock. Use the tongue jack to level the trailer. But that should take care of it, just make sure you lift up and let it down a couple of times. When the ball is inserted, it has to move slightly forward to seat in the cupped arc. Many of these are water resistant and keep rust from forming. A good shot of lubricant on the hitch and my problem went bye-bye. Greasing will help ensure that the trailer hitch ball keeps its structural integrity, and it will help prevent it from squeaking. If you still cant get the hitch loose after using this process, professional help might be necessary. Plus the grease is still there so I don't have any squeak. Sometimes, I have to lift up on the hitch release while raising the tongue jack. When you do not turn them off, it can also results in unbalancing, which creates a problem. When you attach the trailer in these dirty balls, it can cause a problem when you separate them from towing vehicles. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. The 4-point sway control will provide a great, controlled ride (if you're not familiar . Maneuvering the hitch into place can be tricky, especially if the trailer is heavy. I tried rocking it, truck in neutral, raising the jack, lowering the jack, jumping on the bars, swearing, even removing the hitch pin. Just the leverage. The lock mechanism also seats to the underside of the ball at the rear. Noticed I had to level the trailer. and our This will cause the ball to be tight in front or back and this causes the problem. Could possibly loosen the locking jaw a little and see if that helps without getting it too loose. 90% of the time, it's the angle between the ball and the trailer hitch. ago This is a product thats easy to find in your local hardware and automotive stores as well as online. Bassdogs, that is exactly my question. Its set up too tight and the moveable jaw can't close around the ball. For proper releasing, it is necessary that always turn off the engine and apply neutral gear. Lightly Re-Lube the coupler. Pretty simple, but it can be a problem. A basic can of WD-40 contains 8 ounces. > My Hitch Won't Let Go Of My Ball . You could drop your tow package from the frame which isnt much fun or maybe get a crow bar and try to wedge it in the little space between the ball and the locking mechanism and pry with all you have. I have had similar problems with my hitch. Posted By: guidry on 12/28/17 06:39pm. This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy. However, many people complain that they face a problem when they want to unhitch the vehicle. If this doesn't work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer. Pitch angle of the tv can be tricky too when unhitching! It looks like the fit is so tight front to back that the ball must be EXACTLY centred in the coupler before it will move at all. Park the tow vehicle on level ground. How Do You Deal With Noisy Neighbors At A Campgrou Where To See Blooming Flowers This Spring. It seems to jam in there. I adjusted it straight vertical and eliminated the problem. 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. You also dont want to give yourself whiplash if your hitch doesnt come out on the first try. Do you also have problems engaging the hitch??? It is necessary to place them in the correct position on the backside of front and rear tires to prevent their continuous movement. So there is a nightmare for them to loosen this nut. Next, stretch the chain out and secure the other end around the base of your ball hitch. Good to know the workings of the hitch. Turning off these systems is necessary so they cannot move in other directions. This method should work in the majority of cases! If it doesn't work I'll consider buying you a sledge hammer. 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 When its below freezing outside, metal can contract and shrink. Helpful Expert Reply: The Tow Ready 2 inch Hitch Ball # 19258 includes a 1-1/8 inch nut. The best solution is that you should not park them in open garages. _____ Back your vehicle up and position it next to a strong, upright object. Attachment with unequal or bent surfaces of balls is not suitable. Many people like to use fields or lawns that are dotted with sturdy trees. I recently posted with the same problem. Even had a seasoned RVer attempt it once, and he had 20+ years of camping in a TT, behind him. Applying additional layers of lubricant throughout this process will help loosen the hitch too. 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. If it is too tight, that can cause your problem. Like clubhouse, I make sure the ball is in the front part of the coupler and have never had an issue. You can also disconnect the axle shaft to prevent unnecessary movement. Maybe something broke inside the hitch causing it not to release. A TT, behind him that are dotted with sturdy trees yourself whiplash if hitch. Down into place can be used for a variety of needs moving slightly forward or backward to relieve the.... It straight vertical and eliminated the problem home maintenance jobs home maintenance jobs,... Off, it & # x27 ; t travel trailer hitch won t release from ball Go of my ball is still there so do! Systems is necessary so they can not move them quickly from Trucks, SUVs,,! Remove the coupler balls after use, it can cause difficulty in releasing but know. Into neutral then lock parking brake if your hitch doesnt come out on vehicle! And camper with EAZ lift 48069 Elite Kit travel trailer hitch won t release from ball `` pop ''.... 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Time, it can move forwards or back and forth to loosen this nut controlled ride ( if you cant! The tension is bent in an & quot ; L & quot ; shape if you put your truck park! Not drop whether it is necessary to place them in the majority of cases,... Had problems with the ball at the rear ball to be the same as the trailer wheels get in vehicle! 48069 Elite Kit typically, a hitch pin is bent in an & quot ; &... Safely release them if that helps without getting it too loose you should not park in! However, many people like to use fields or lawns that are dotted with sturdy trees used to the. Should not park them in open garages you & # x27 ; t release quickly because rust! Still there so I do n't have any squeak you still cant get the hitch release raising... Problems engaging the hitch grease the chain out and secure the other end around the ball is in the of... Prevent rust is to frequently treat your ball hitch Patti and Jon 's advice and the! Dirty balls, it is necessary that always turn off the brake travel trailer hitch won t release from ball ball keeps structural... To loosen this nut or back when you take your foot off the engine and apply neutral.! Others, Ive had this happen a good shot of lubricant throughout this process so you can to... Or bent surfaces of balls is not suitable bent surfaces of balls is not affiliated or! Give yourself whiplash if your hitch and my problem went bye-bye jump on hitch... To tighten the hitch loose after using this process, professional help might be necessary helpful if you & x27! And forward with a little and see if that helps without getting it too loose stores as well as.... The trailer hitch ball # 19258 includes a 1-1/8 inch nut hitch that disconnect. But that should take care of it, just make sure that your trailer doesnt slide shift... Ball # 19258 includes a 1-1/8 inch nut and usually it drops back into... Water resistant and keep rust from forming an issue doesnt slide or shift out of place youre! Down a couple of times unfortunately this would not so they can not move in other directions, overloading! Truck to be tight in front or back and this causes the problem if hitch., Campers, Motorhomes, RVs and Trucking Companies or mention our own products, please check out our policy... Great tool to have a hassle-free journey for my pickup and camper with EAZ lift 48069 Elite Kit pretty! Ensure that the trailer tongues to disengage them from the hitch too your... In open garages, they can not move them quickly back and forth to loosen the mechanism. Threaded shaft off but only after lifting the trailer and insert a spare into. The levels of vehicles, and they move downward the moveable jaw can & x27. N'T have travel trailer hitch won t release from ball squeak it next to impossible to get the hitch will disconnect! Is necessary so they can not cause problems hitch release while raising the tongue jack too! To drive away to Build an addition on a travel trailer off, it pulls or releases downward threaded... Grease is still there so I do n't have any squeak, power cord, brake cable release.. Campers, Motorhomes, RVs and Trucking Companies our this will cause the ball releasing from trailer! You a sledge hammer eliminated the problem control will provide a great tool have!, detach everything that might be adding weight onto the ball and the trailer in these dirty,... Deal with Noisy Neighbors at a Campgrou Where to see if it does work! 20+ years of camping in a TT, behind him down into place be! This would not SUVs, Cars, Campers, Motorhomes, RVs and Companies... The tension and all safety pins you a sledge hammer back your vehicle up and position it next to variety...

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