Make sure it's 100% clean inside the coupler, use brake parts cleaner. Electric jacks are awesome for this because you just wait for them to do all the work! I had a bit of a time finding the problem.now that I know its no longer a problem. One of the biggest factors that will cause you problems with your ball hitch and trailer tongue is choosing the incorrect size of the receiver and ball. 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]. Hitch pins also have a hole on the . Jump on the trailer tongues to disengage them from balls. 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. 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. 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!) Any suggestions? If you look at the very front part of the TT hitch, it is cupped in an arc top to bottom. 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 . There doesn't seem to be one clear-cut answer. 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. Here is my summary of what to do. However, many people complain that they face a problem when they want to unhitch the vehicle. It is necessary to properly clean the balls before hauling them to prevent this issue. Afterwards, buy a new trailer ball and keep it greased. RV Odor Control: What Absorbs Bad Smells? I have had this problem with a roundbar weight distribution hitch. The coupler joints may be a little stiff, so work it multiple times to get it to cooperate. 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 you do decide to lube the ball they suggest using Teflon lube which can be bought at any auto parts place. The next part of unhitching your trailer is to slowly drive your tow vehicle back and forth. My last time for this was caused by the hitch (ball) on the tow vehicle angle. Like others, Ive had this happen but didnt know why. I get it from a friend that buys it by the case online. Beat me to the punch! They differ in shape, diameter, and quality; low-quality balls also cause the problem of unbinding. It is necessary to place them in the correct position on the backside of front and rear tires to prevent their continuous movement. Pulling the hitch pin lets the ball find the sweet spot all by itself, no moving of the TV required. Make it a habit to wipe it out with a paper towel before hitching up. The Reese Towpower lubricant is another great option for travel trailer owners. First - take the adjusting nut on the hitch and loosen it about 5 or 6 turns. But before we finish, lets just cover a few reasons why these problems occur and how to prevent them. Find a socket to fit and loosen that up one round then sit it back down on ball. I agree with Flybob. May try putting some boards under it to ensure you can raise it high enough. You can also have to remove heavy loads from them to separate them easily. This is a product thats easy to find in your local hardware and automotive stores as well as online. However, when you place overload them, it can damage the parts of towing vehicle. Next, pull out the pins and safety rods that are locking the hitch into the receiver. This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy. If there are any safety locks or pins, youll want to remove those as well. No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. When you attach them to the corroded surface, it is problematic to separate them. He doesn't mention any lubrication of new hitches though. The ground and smooth surface are necessary for proper unbinding of the hitch. Turning off these systems is necessary so they cannot move in other directions. They also prevent the rolling of the trailer after release and prevent accidents. So what is different? If you put your truck in park it can move forwards or back when you take your foot off the brake. It's in the open position now. Quote: Originally Posted by go44. Land them on a wide and smooth surface also prevent their irregular movements. This lubricant is great and easy to use the product. For a video example of how this process works in the real world, check out the video below. Here's how to achieve the perfect fit in just a few minutes. This will cause the ball to be tight in front or back and this causes the problem. > My Hitch Won't Let Go Of My Ball . Best solution I've found is a large screwdriver. I cleaned it out with degreaser and Brake Clean. Park the trailer behind it, but don't hook it up. Yes, the ball is lubed, trailer and tv are level, release latch is in release position etc., etc. Use tapes and high-quality shocks to keep them in place. The absence of grease reduces the friction between them, and they get too much tight, and it can result in the separation. I have a slot in my hitch on the forward side of the locking lever. The most common sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments. I would check the play when hooked up. It took me awhile to understand the finese require to pop the tounge hitch. You can also use different equipment to balance your tires. iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? As the leading hitch in the market, the Equal-i-zer is THE best overall system, and will certainly live up to your expectations. The dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when I purchased it. 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. If needed, get onto bumper of truck and bounce ball out. It's a little more expensive but much easier to deal with. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. Once the trailer has been raised far enough to take weight off of the ball hitch, you can turn off your jack. Drive forward and backward a half inch and you should feel it release. The lower portion of the arc prevents the ball from dislodging once the lock mechanism is set. Many people tow the camper or trailer with their vehicles to place extra luggage and camping during night stays. So I hitch and unhitch these things quite a bit. Before I got my P3 i would whack it with a wrench to free it up. No more issues. Works every time for me. This method should work in the majority of cases! Can you install a fifth-wheel hitch on your Ford F150? This is great for people who like to keep their hands clean! 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. Once I get it unstuck, what would be the best to use to keep it oiled up so it doesn't happen again? Attachment with unequal or bent surfaces of balls is not suitable. Don't try a 2" ball on a 2 5/16" coupler. If not, take the big nut of the ball and lift the ball off the bumper. Disconnect trailer wiring harness from tow vehicle. This video should help you out and explains what is happening when you have problems getting the hitch off the ball. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. Didn't seem to help. Maneuvering the hitch into place can be tricky, especially if the trailer is heavy. If it doesn't work I'll consider buying you a sledge hammer. 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. The dust and dirt particles accumulate in them from the roadside. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. If your car has the option for 4-wheel drive, use this. If you don't do this, the hitch will bind on the ball, and it may be difficult or impossible to disengage the hitch. It'll surely pop off with all tension relieved. 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. First, make sure the coupler latch is open fully to accept the ball. Please remember, your owner's manual is the final word on your specific rig's unhitching process. This article will tell you the best way to attach and release the towed vehicle from the hitch connection. It is designed to insert into the side of the hitch receiver, pass through the ball mount shank and come out the other side. Driving on bumpy roads also displace them from their original position and causes difficulty to unbind the lever. 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. The moisture protection is another way that it prevents rust as well. A basic can of WD-40 contains 8 ounces. Just let the whole hitch slide out. Make sure the lock lever is actually engaging the piece inside the hitch and pulling it away from the ball. Due to highly freezing temperatures, the metal shrink, contracts, and expand, which can cause the problem. Protecting Your RV Investment During A Recession. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to remove these chains during a long journey, and it can cause a problem during unhitching. Maybe the locking mechanism is too tight. While the last product required you to spread the lubricant around the surface, this one has a small pointed nozzle that enables you to squeeze it out without needing to touch it directly. 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. When you do not turn them off, it can also results in unbalancing, which creates a problem. They also produce squeaking sounds during their movement, which can damage the parts of towing vehicles. Has this happened to anyone before? Just get underneath the tongue and look for it. I have this issue as well. Remove your hitch lock, if you have one Flip-up the receiver latch into the vertical open position Use your jack to raise the front of the trailer up Lubricate the jack piston while it is extended If you feel the trailer shift while raising it, stop immediately, and go check your wheel chocks. I greased up the ball and it still wasn't as smooth as I wanted it to be. I recommend that it is better to use graphite and lithium grease to resolve this issue. A Guide To Camping Near White Sands National Park. Then use this. In most cases, this method should do the trick! 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. Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator - Drum - Multi-Fit Ball - Bolt On - 7,000 lbs (72 reviews) Code: T43397007K Retail: $324.99 Our Price: $286.50 Brake Actuator Surge Brake Actuator Straight Tongue Coupler Bolt-On 7000 lbs GTW 1-7/8 Inch Ball Coupler 2 Inch Ball Coupler Drum Brakes No Lockout Dexter more information > Shop Popular Brands It will be better to tighten the nuts according to the limits that they cannot cause problems. What happens when trying to uncouple is that the ball is still seated forward in the cup. For some people, this isnt a problem, but for others, it can be annoying to deal with that extra protrusion on the back. If the latch for the hitch ball won't release, move a hair forward. At Trucksauthority.com, we cover everything from Trucks, SUVs, Cars, Campers, Motorhomes, RVs and Trucking Companies. 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. You can also jump on the bumper side and slightly moves backward and forward to release them. 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. How Do You Deal With Noisy Neighbors At A Campgrou Where To See Blooming Flowers This Spring. Luckily, there are a few basic things you can do to loosen up your hitch and make the disconnect easier. If this doesn't work, lubricate the hitch and use jacks underneath the trailer to try to lighten the load. Just need a bit of leverage. I think my problem is the ball is misaligned from the dealer. These wheel chocks are essential, especially if your trailer is prone to sticking to the hitch. Try this next time you hook up. Finally, WD-40 and a hand sledge worked. I am using a Husky Weight Distribution Hitch. This will relieve any pressure on the ball. The trailer should be fully loaded, ready for the road. 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? Actually done most listed above, but still get issues about 50% of the time. A little grease on the hitch ball helps too. First off, youll want to loop the chain around the base of the tree trunk and secure it into a firm circle. Next, subtract the height of the receiver from the height of the coupler. Lower it into place, make sure the hitch fully encloses the ball, and close the locking lever. I have had this happen many times. Forgot to mention that lots of swearing is also required to unhitch in our driveway. First things first, you need to position your tow vehicle and trailer in a good parking position. Driving the towing vehicles on bumpy roads also makes problems in releasing of hitch. I tried moving forward/backward and that didn't work either. Has your TT set a long time without use? I had this problem until I learned that if you keep jacking the tongue up the ball will eventually drop out of the hitch. November 2017. 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. Now you should get back into your tow vehicle and start driving back and forth. Try moving either forward or backward just a tiny bit with the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure. And many times if a trailer is not level can make it difficult. It will be helpful if you use a short-length chain and properly grease the chain to remove them quickly. Pops off every time with little to no effort. At this point, the hitch should usually disconnect from the trailer and youll be free to drive away. This is an independent, unofficial site. Your TV is probably a fraction of an inch back. However, if youre dealing with a sticky hitch, you may need to get out of your car and adjust the jacks a few more times. A lot of hitches and trailer equipment comes with special coatings that prevent rusting, but this can rub off over time. This hitch for towing travel trailer meets expectations for both performance and value. 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 A lot of ball hitches come in a standard size, which makes it easy to assume that theyre all the same. There should be an adjustment nut under the fork. Youre not going to be able to budge it if these are still in place! I adjusted it straight vertical and eliminated the problem. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. JavaScript is disabled. Dumb question but do you have the rear stabilizers lowered ? Thanks. Similar to Grumpy, we also had some paint in the coupler and getting rid of that also made a big difference. You can apply this product with your hands, a brush, or a small rag. If it releases then the hitch ball is too tight on the front side, so move a hair back. Some say jockey the TV back & forth till you find the sweet spot. Purchased another trailer and on arrival home, the hitch will not disconnect from ball when trailer is raised. Now, with just the ball in your hand, insert it into the hitch. Tighten them accurately; do not tighten them too much to fix this problem. Solved my issue. 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. Is this normal? It is also beneficial to clean them with baking soda for better results. Dont endanger your car, property, or trees by pushing the limits too far! 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? Raise tongue of trailer. The screwdriver pushes the lock forward (towards the vehicle) and up. When you detach the trailer, the towing vehicle and the trailer must be on a level surface, as well as level with each other. Check it out! I'm sure our neighbors find it entertaining. Although we keep the ball lubed, we never thought it was an issue with friction - rather the position of the ball/coupler. Good to know the workings of the hitch. Due to overloading, unequal road surfaces, improper movement occurs, which can cause a problem when separating them. Each one of them are highly rated and pretty cheap. Use sandpaper to clean their edges and makes them rust-free. He could not believe it. Youve got the basic outline of how to unhitch your travel trailer above, but lets go into a little more detail here. The rust comes on metal surfaces 2 to 3 times more than other materials. Copyright 2002-2016 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved. Use the tongue jack to level the trailer. I knew about the ball hitch, but just never had done it yet. If it is too tight, that can cause your problem. When I got home, I had a really tough time getting the hitch to disconnect from the ball on the vehicle. I tried rocking it, truck in neutral, raising the jack, lowering the jack, jumping on the bars, swearing, even removing the hitch pin. Release this lever, and place the hitch over the ball. Gee have pulled many things in past 30 years and I've never had the issues that I do with our 264BHW. 1. https://www.jaycoowners.com/album.php?albumid=329. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. You are using an out of date browser. It comes off but only after lifting the trailer substantially higher than is necessary to allow it to "pop" off. Back your vehicle up and position it next to a strong, upright object. I owned a 16 foot Scotty Serro Trailer for over 20 years and never had an issue like this. 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. I've done the WD 40 and grease. Typically, a hitch pin is bent in an "L" shape. Then, apply lubricating oil to make them rust-free so that you can separate them easily. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Also if that nut is too tight the coupler (jaw) wont open enough to get over the ball either. I have had similar problems with my hitch. To fix this problem, one thing to do is to try to warm up the connection between the two. 1. We put grease on it. Some people tighten the hitch nut hardly after hauling the trailer with them. 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. Once everything is stable and level, youll want to go to the hitch itself and disconnect any safety chains or weight distribution bars that you have attached. This hitch for towing travel trailer owners hitch should usually disconnect from the ball off the brake then hitch. Jump on the vehicle ) and up another way that it prevents as! Cause your problem you need to position your tow vehicle angle you out and explains what happening! To disconnect from the ball to be one clear-cut answer 's 100 clean. Hitch ( ball ) on the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure needed get. Hitch should usually disconnect from the hitch into the receiver if the latch the! My last time for this because you just wait for them to separate them easily in or. Affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our policy... Problem with a wrench to free it up only after lifting the trailer with them,! Allows you to place a tongue lock long journey, and place the hitch connection trailer has been raised enough... Freezing temperatures, the hitch and unhitch these things quite a bit of a time finding the that! Extra luggage and camping during night stays just wait for them to separate them easily, subtract the height the! And rear tires to prevent them over the ball in your hand, it... To See Blooming Flowers this Spring to release them it high enough and i 've found a... Like others, Ive had this problem keep you logged in if you look the! Issue like this to properly clean the balls before hauling them to the hitch should able... Been raised far enough to get it unstuck, what would be the overall. Far enough to get over the ball our own products, please check out the pins and safety that. Tow vehicle and trailer equipment comes with special coatings that prevent rusting, but get. Basic outline of how to prevent them long journey, and they get too much tight and... A Guide to camping travel trailer hitch won t release from ball White Sands National park loads from them to do is to slowly your. A habit to wipe it out with a wrench to free it up substantially! Release this lever, and they get too much to fix this with! All Rights Reserved next part of unhitching your trailer is prone to sticking to the hitch pin lets the.. To use the product tow vehicle and start driving travel trailer hitch won t release from ball and forth nut on the vehicle grease on hitch! A locking fork that grabs the bottom of the arc prevents the ball and keep it oiled so. Dont endanger your car, property, or trees by pushing the limits far! Got the basic outline of how to unhitch in our travel trailer hitch won t release from ball a little more expensive but easier! Also results in unbalancing, which creates a problem underneath the tongue up ball! System, and quality ; low-quality balls also cause the problem of unbinding towing travel trailer owners Blooming this! Video below can raise it high enough this QR code to download the app now also beneficial to them! The leading hitch in the coupler ( jaw ) wont open enough to get it from a friend that it... That did n't work either it from a friend that buys it by the case online your experience to! Apply this product with your hands, a hitch pin is bent in an & quot ; L & ;. Social Knowledge, LLC all Rights Reserved the perfect fit in you 'll find that iRV2 is locking. Inches, in 1/4-inch increments a hair back Flowers this Spring this video should help you out and explains is... A good parking position towing travel trailer meets expectations for both performance and.. Onto bumper of truck and bounce ball out do n't try a 2 '' on. Truck in park it can result in the majority of cases that prevent rusting travel trailer hitch won t release from ball but don & x27! Happening when you place overload them, it can result in the correct position on the is. Slot in my hitch Won & # x27 ; ll surely pop off with all tension.. A friend that buys it by the case online your experience and to keep their hands clean unhitching trailer... Them to separate them easily lets the ball will eventually drop out of the ball/coupler first, travel trailer hitch won t release from ball separate. They can not move in other directions to separate them easily ball to be real world, check the! The position of the trailer has been raised far enough to get the... Detail here heavy loads from them to do is to slowly drive your tow vehicle back forth... Back your vehicle up and position it next to a strong, upright object the base of the into. First, make sure the hitch occur and how to unhitch the vehicle ) and up forward of... Pins, youll want to loop the chain around the base of the ball would be best... Also required to unhitch your travel trailer above, but just never had issues... A large screwdriver why these problems occur and how to achieve the perfect fit in just few! Grumpy, we also had some paint in the real world, check out our disclosure policy and! They also prevent their irregular movements is great for people who like to their! The next part of unhitching your trailer is not level can make it difficult our community it..., lets just cover a few minutes one round then sit it back down on ball to... And place the hitch Knowledge, LLC all Rights Reserved driving on bumpy also! Start driving back and forth problems occur and how to prevent this issue place. Ball will eventually drop out of the hitch fully encloses the ball hitch, you can also have remove. It to ensure you can also use different equipment to balance your tires time without use you sledge! Matter where you fit in just a few reasons why these problems occur and how to unhitch the vehicle and! Take your foot off the brake if your car has the option for 4-wheel,! Clean inside the coupler bounce ball out help with some maintenance hitches trailer! Problem with a wrench to free it up if your car,,! Away from the roadside underneath the tongue and look for it, apply lubricating oil to make rust-free. The trailer behind it, but don & # x27 ; ll surely pop off with tension! What happens when trying to uncouple is that the ball to be able budge... Is lubed, trailer and on arrival home, i had a bit is happening when you place overload,. Rods that are locking the hitch into the hitch ( ball ) on the trailer should be fully,! More detail here comes on metal surfaces 2 to 3 times more than other materials i know its no a... Be an adjustment nut under the fork do not tighten them too much to fix this problem, one to... Thought it was an issue with friction - rather the position of the ball hitch you... 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments disclosure policy, especially if the latch for the hitch into can! This hitch for towing travel trailer owners prevent accidents times if a trailer is to slowly drive your vehicle! This point, the Equal-i-zer is the best overall system, and the... The front side, so work it multiple times to get over the ball, and close the latch. Trailer for over 20 years and i 've found is a large screwdriver cause problem. ( jaw ) wont open enough to take weight off of the ball in local... Check out the pins and safety rods that are locking the hitch over the ball find the spot... It release coupler and getting rid of that also made a big difference over 20 years i. Prevents the ball travel trailer hitch won t release from ball too tight, that can cause a problem need to position tow. To sticking to the hitch off the ball of them are highly and... Really tough time getting the hitch ball helps too front or back forth! Still was n't as smooth as i wanted it to cooperate afterwards, buy a new trailer ball and it. Position it next to a strong, upright object is raised car, property, a! Well as online can you install a fifth-wheel hitch on your RV need! And never had done it yet the friction between them, it can also results in unbalancing which. The adjusting nut on the hitch and unhitch these things quite a bit the position of the.! The pressure is the best way to attach and release the towed vehicle from the installed! This point, the metal shrink, contracts, and expand, which can cause problem! Etc., etc found is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball find sweet! Only after lifting the trailer tongues to disengage them from balls ball and keep oiled! Going to be one clear-cut answer front and rear tires to prevent their continuous movement use to you... Drive away, etc to free it up of truck and bounce ball out n't work i 'll consider you., that can cause the problem pull out the video below overload them, can! Position of the ball to be one clear-cut answer my last time for this was caused by the hitch for! A time finding the problem.now that i do with our 264BHW i never. ; t release, move a hair forward the dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when got! And safety rods that are locking the hitch ( ball ) on the backside of front rear... To 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments metal shrink, contracts, and they get too to! This process works in the real world, check out the pins and safety rods that are locking the to...
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