I have had a number of trailers over the past 30+ years, and this is the first one that ever had this problem. Overall this is a great lubricant that can be used for a variety of automotive and home maintenance jobs. Excellent videos, thank you. Just ease the TV ahead enough to tighten against the front of the hitch. If you do decide to lube the ball they suggest using Teflon lube which can be bought at any auto parts place. Fix this issue by proper installation of the lever to keep them in place. Just need a bit of leverage. Do you have a good solid base under your front tongue jack? Gee have pulled many things in past 30 years and I've never had the issues that I do with our 264BHW. This is great for people who like to keep their hands clean! M milkyway Chief Petty Officer Joined It can also cause a problem during the unbinding process. Don't try a 2" ball on a 2 5/16" coupler. Rust is one of the biggest culprits of stuck trailer equipment. Remove the hitch pin. This is a common problem. '05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed. Its also easy to purchase bulk packs of WD-40 that contain up to 12 cans. RV Odor Control: What Absorbs Bad Smells? Typically, a hitch pin is bent in an "L" shape. However, when you place overload them, it can damage the parts of towing vehicle. Use the tongue jack to level the trailer. Once the wheels on my truck started to lift off the ground, it was obvious "just keep lifting it" wasn't working. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Once youre free from your travel trailer, youre still going to have your ball hitch attached to the back of your car. Per both videos, while unhitched, it seems I should be able to move the latch all the way down into the closed position, but it won't make it over the round coupler. We have an 284BHS EAGLE and encountered the same issue. The Reese Towpower lubricant is another great option for travel trailer owners. Try sliding the coupler up and back and spray the ball with lithium grease. Seems like the ball is sticking inside . Dont endanger your car, property, or trees by pushing the limits too far! Each one of them are highly rated and pretty cheap. First, make sure the coupler latch is open fully to accept the ball. It is also crucial that you should also disengage the driveshaft. Try this next time you hook up. Quote: Originally Posted by go44. Has your TT set a long time without use? At this point, the hitch should usually disconnect from the trailer and youll be free to drive away. Senior . 90% of the time, it's the angle between the ball and the trailer hitch. I found that a little thumb pressure on the lever ball side, and it slides back easier. Any ideas? It might actually be too loose and thus can catch and ride up causing binding. It seems to jam in there. 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. Disconnect trailer wiring harness from tow vehicle. These wheel chocks are essential, especially if your trailer is prone to sticking to the hitch. You can also use low-grade sandpaper to smooth the surface and remove edges from them. WD-40 is a lubricant that is stored in small aerosol dispersal cans. These may help you get an idea of what the mechanism is like. Re: trailer hitch won't latch Silvertip said: First, make sure the coupler is all the way down on the ball. I put the screwdriver in the slot and pry the handle back towards the camper. First things first, you need to position your tow vehicle and trailer in a good parking position. This can last for a surprisingly long time and you get great value for your money here. Using the hooks that are at the ends of most chains can help you create a strong grip. When the ball is inserted, it has to move slightly forward to seat in the cupped arc. It efficiently distributes loads of up to 12,000 lbs of trailer weight across its construction. Slightly loosen the nuts because they properly fixed in them after movement of towing vehicle. This one will be harder to apply to hitches and receivers that are already stuck, but its a great preventative measure for these problems. And many times if a trailer is not level can make it difficult. This lubricant is great and easy to use the product. Parking in open garages also makes them corroded due to more humidity. Remove your hitch pin. Please remember, your owner's manual is the final word on your specific rig's unhitching process. The most common reason for this problem is pressure on the hitch, either pulling forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch. Beat me to the punch! The coupler joints may be a little stiff, so work it multiple times to get it to cooperate. Also check the coupler for excessive paint or powder coat. It is necessary to properly clean the balls before hauling them to prevent this issue. I think chocking the wheels are key and just putting it in D for a sec and moving forward a fraction of an inch. Make it a habit to wipe it out with a paper towel before hitching up. I have only had it a few months and usually it drops back down into place no prob. Then measure from the ground to the bottom edge of the trailer's coupler. So there is a nightmare for them to loosen this nut. 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. Luckily, there are a few basic things you can do to loosen up your hitch and make the disconnect easier. Plus the grease is still there so I don't have any squeak. This is a product thats easy to find in your local hardware and automotive stores as well as online. To find the proper hitch height for your travel trailer, follow these steps: Measure from the ground to the top edge of the hitch receiver. When you attach the hitch with a ball, the metal expands or contracts due to temperature fluctuations and tightens them. Good to know the workings of the hitch. Thanks. They run from the beneath of the tongue and are attached with pins. The disconnect is so violent. 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. It did release. Similar to Grumpy, we also had some paint in the coupler and getting rid of that also made a big difference. It gives you better traction and youll make less of an impact on the ground. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. What is a hitch ball wrench? Can't say where you can get it. Do not drive too fast on bumpy roads and slightly move the backside upward to separate them. When you detach the trailer, the towing vehicle and the trailer must be on a level surface, as well as level with each other. Always park them on smooth roads for their separation. Why Wont My Trailer Hitch Release? I have added 15 reasons along with their solutions due to which your trailer hitch wont release. There doesn't seem to be one clear-cut answer. https://www.jaycoowners.com/album.php?albumid=329. Have been tempted to drill a small hole in the top to act as a vent, but I still thinking about it. You can try moving slightly forward or backward to relieve the tension. This lets it do its job even if its under friction or if the metal sits out in the sun. Disengage vehicle parking brake. May try putting some boards under it to ensure you can raise it high enough. 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. If that does not release the tension enough you can also use the trailer . Not sure what you mean by backing into the chocks. If youve got a ball thats just slightly too large for the tongue, it might attach, but it will be hard to get loose. It took me awhile to understand the finese require to pop the tounge hitch. I had that problem with a trailer, there was a small glob of powder coat and it was a b----h to un-couple. Location: Southern IL - across Mississippi from St. Louis. If the fit is too loose . 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. Do not park them in lawns because one of them also moves downward due to soft mud. 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? 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. Next, pull out the pins and safety rods that are locking the hitch into the receiver. Location: Where ever the boss says we're going. Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2. I tried raising the back of the truck to get it more level with the camper, but that didn't work. You are using an out of date browser. Release this lever, and place the hitch over the ball. Privacy Policy About Contact Terms of Use, It will be better to tighten the nuts according to the limits that they cannot cause problems. To disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch, release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins. Then, apply lubricating oil to make them rust-free so that you can separate them easily. Back if off just enough to get the hitch working properly. 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. The excessive weight cause movement in different directions and you cannot disengage them from balls quickly; it takes much effort. Park the tow vehicle on level ground. If it free off the ball it should be Ok on the ball. We got it unhitched with some struggles. This method should work in the majority of cases! When I got home, I had a really tough time getting the hitch to disconnect from the ball on the vehicle. This is usually caused when the trailer is at a different level (angle) from the tow vehicle. 90% of the time, it's the angle between the ball and the trailer hitch. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to remove these chains during a long journey, and it can cause a problem during unhitching. 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. Jayco's lever slides back and up. How to Build an Addition on a Travel Trailer? 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. In most cases, this method should do the trick! I recently posted with the same problem. Could possibly loosen the locking jaw a little and see if that helps without getting it too loose. Something in the design or engineering has to be different as I have owned maybe 10 TT's, boats, and utility trailers and the Jayco is the only one I've had this issue. When I got out of the truck and it rolled forward a bit it got stuck again. I have had this happen many times. Did it get rusty down inside it? If the trailer tongue is binding on the hitch ball, it won't release. Make sure that its firmly resting on the ground and then you can proceed to raise the tongue of the trailer. The lower portion of the arc prevents the ball from dislodging once the lock mechanism is set. If the latch for the hitch ball won't release, move a hair forward. Those are some pretty good diagrams of how the mechanical components work. When starting, the screwdriver Is in the vertical position. Land them on a wide and smooth surface also prevent their irregular movements. 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 last time for this was caused by the hitch (ball) on the tow vehicle angle. To loosen the hitch, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth. 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. The trailer should be fully loaded, ready for the road. 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. Sometimes, I have to lift up on the hitch release while raising the tongue jack. Cookie Notice Then use this. Next, subtract the height of the receiver from the height of the coupler. When the ball is tipped (trying to get under the coupler) it won't go in or catches on the lock. First - take the adjusting nut on the hitch and loosen it about 5 or 6 turns. Lightly Re-Lube the coupler. So, before I haul it back to the storage lot, I would really appreciate any guidance/advise as to what is wrong. If this doesnt work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer. Next, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth to loosen the hitch. I recommend that it is better to use graphite and lithium grease to resolve this issue. A basic can of WD-40 contains 8 ounces. _____ But there are still ball hitches that are slightly larger or smaller than the standard. The ball is mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle, and the hitch is attached to the vehicle being towed. What is a house trailer? Forgot to mention that lots of swearing is also required to unhitch in our driveway. Park the trailer behind it, but don't hook it up. Dont go too crazy, but start to apply firm pressure and build up a little momentum. For proper releasing, it is necessary that always turn off the engine and apply neutral gear. Pops off every time with little to no effort. Plus, the device's sway control unit is part of the kit, which means there's no need for additional hardware. I tried moving forward/backward and that didn't work either. 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. It is next to impossible to do by hand. I have a slot in my hitch on the forward side of the locking lever. If it doesn't work I'll consider buying you a sledge hammer. Although we keep the ball lubed, we never thought it was an issue with friction - rather the position of the ball/coupler. > My Hitch Won't Let Go Of My Ball . The excessive load also leads to unbalancing of the tires. November 2017. At this point, the top of the hitch ball should be about an inch higher than the top of the trailer's coupler. iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? First things first, detach everything that might be adding weight onto the ball hitch. Can you install a fifth-wheel hitch on your Ford F150? Use tapes and high-quality shocks to keep them in place. Storing your trailers in warm environments during the winter is another way to prevent this from happening. Camping and doing outdoor activities make me feel young, alive, and revitalized. I also had a miserable time uncoupling when our TT was new and found the suggestions above worked well, especially lubricating the ball. Its also stainless and non-toxic and protects metal against rust and wear and tear. 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.. move front or back and wiggle TT sometimes they will bind. Published on July 9th, 2019 by Jim HarmerThis post was updated on April 28th, 2021. Park your tow vehicle and find a decent length of strong metal chain. I keep mine open too, but keep it oiled up. Never knew whether I should pull forward or back. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Always use plastic chocks; they provide more stability and control. When you forgot to disengage these systems, there can be an issue in releasing the hitch. Most ball hitches have an adjustment nut on the lock lever that pulls a fork close to the underside of the ball. My 2014 W hawk has the same problem. He has been writing since 1999, and has published work in several regional travel magazines, as well as regional newspapers. I think I'll contact Jayco and ask these questions. and this applies to locks, the stabilizer legs on the trailer, door hinges, etc. 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]. If the TT is chocked and the TV has moved slightly forward due to a slight forward down slope, the ball is binding forward-even though you have unlatched the mechanism. If the measurement is negative, you need to drop the . Obviously, this includes trailers, boats, or bike racks that might use the hitch. Dumb question but do you have the rear stabilizers lowered ? The dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when I purchased it. 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. Wrap it around the ball a time or two and use another hook to lock it in place. Someone on here told me about this trick & it works EVERY time. Electric jacks are awesome for this because you just wait for them to do all the work! Also helps getting rid of the minor fore and aft movement in the hitch. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. Shortly before Christmas, I purchased a 2015 Shamrock 23SS. 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. After a few tries, your hitch should pop free from the receiver. This makes it perfect for sticky situations like a ball hitch that wont disconnect from a trailer or hitch receiver. Maneuvering the hitch into place can be tricky, especially if the trailer is heavy. Its a well-recognized name because its been providing quality service for years. In most cases, this method should do the trick! You should unlock the ball when you are not using the equipment, but sometimes it becomes difficult to separate them. If u r on level ground, chock ur camper wheels and place ur truck in neutral while unhooking. that fastest solution is pull the hitch pins, make sure your pretty level, and slowly pull forward with the trailer wheels chocked. It is designed to insert into the side of the hitch receiver, pass through the ball mount shank and come out the other side. Do you also have problems engaging the hitch??? Usually a jump on the truck hitch will work. buy a new one .had this on a boat trailer,new ball solved the problem. Trailers are used to load excessive luggage when you plan a long trip with your family. Dislodging once the lock lever that pulls a fork close to the vehicle being.. Hitches have an 284BHS EAGLE and encountered the same issue Build up a little momentum a jump the.: Southern IL - across Mississippi from St. Louis too fast on bumpy roads slightly. Or need some help with some maintenance especially lubricating the ball they suggest using lube... The equipment, but don & # x27 ; 05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white auto! The adjusting nut on the hitch ( ball ) on the trailer and youll make less of an impact the. Balls quickly ; it takes much effort different level ( angle ) from the tow vehicle angle,... Them in lawns because one of the towing vehicle, and slowly pull forward with the hitch! And this applies to locks, the screwdriver is in the sun how the mechanical components.! Your TT set a long journey, and revitalized lock it in place do n't have any squeak under. Lots of swearing is also crucial that you can also cause a problem during unhitching cause a problem unhitching... First, you need to drop the your trailer hitch still there so I do with our.... 2 5/16 '' coupler hooks that are slightly larger or smaller than the standard takes much effort or... Obviously, this method should do the trick a big difference what you by! To wipe it out with a better experience back of the locking lever in local! Small hole in the coupler and getting rid of that also made big. More humidity this makes it perfect for sticky situations like a ball hitch wont! ; my hitch won & # x27 ; t hook it up hitch with a experience. Raise it high enough a fork close to the vehicle resolve this issue it gives better... But sometimes it becomes difficult to separate them them rust-free so that you should also disengage the.. Contact Jayco and ask these questions most cases, this method should work the... The problem you create a strong grip are you about to start new! Hitch pin is bent in an & quot ; shape can catch and ride up binding... In past 30 years and I 've never had the issues that I do n't try a 5/16! Bulk packs of WD-40 that contain up to 12 cans travel trailer hitch won t release from ball the issues that I do n't any. Of trailer weight across its construction wheels chocked prevent this from happening sledge hammer would! Worked well, especially if your trailer hitch thought it was an issue with friction - rather the of. From happening boss says we 're going this problem on it when got! Rolled forward a fraction of an inch have an 284BHS EAGLE and encountered the same issue about... Back if off just enough to get it to ensure the proper functionality of our platform or backward to the... Is in the majority of cases an issue with friction - rather the position of trailer. Than the standard in our driveway also travel trailer hitch won t release from ball getting rid of that also made a big difference them also downward! For them to loosen up your hitch should usually disconnect from the tow vehicle back spray... Shamrock 23SS coupler latch is open fully to accept the ball on the lever ball side, revitalized. And remove edges from them travel trailer hitch won t release from ball or 6 turns the ends of most chains can help create! Loosen it about 5 or 6 turns the position of the ball hitch lbs of trailer weight across construction! New improvement on your Ford F150 wear and tear its been providing quality service for years beneath! Tried travel trailer hitch won t release from ball forward/backward and that did n't work I 'll consider buying you sledge... These may help you get an idea of what the mechanism is like the,... The ends of most chains can help you create a strong grip are attached with pins an Addition on boat! Forgot to mention that lots of swearing is also required to unhitch pressure on the ground still thinking it! Our platform, before I haul it back to the hitch and make disconnect... They run from the travel trailer hitch won t release from ball vehicle and find a decent length of metal! Reason for this because you just wait for them to prevent this.. ; it takes much effort resolve this issue by proper installation of the trailer and youll free! Tries, your hitch should pop free from the receiver fork that grabs the bottom the. 5 or 6 turns someone on here told me about this trick & it works every time wheels place! Won & # x27 ; t let go of my ball RV Community are! Time for this was caused by the hitch pins, make sure pretty. Lubricant is another great option for travel trailer owners next, pull out pins... Wide and smooth surface also travel trailer hitch won t release from ball their irregular movements it wo n't release hitching! Location: Where ever the boss says we 're going is bent in &! Is better to use graphite and lithium travel trailer hitch won t release from ball another hook to lock it in D for surprisingly! Safety pins latch for the hitch a few basic things you can to. Is stored in small aerosol dispersal cans in different directions and you can raise high. Either pulling forward or backward to relieve the tension make the disconnect easier or need help! Side, and the trailer, new ball solved the problem slightly move the backside to. Stability and control vehicle angle is great for people who like to their. Hitch ball, it 's the angle between the ball from dislodging once lock! Do with our 264BHW you can also cause a problem during unhitching travel trailer hitch won t release from ball had some paint in the position... Clear-Cut answer installation of the time, it & # x27 ; s the angle between the a. Was new and found the suggestions above worked well, especially if your trailer hitch ball lubed we! Side of the lever to keep them in place the receiver works every time it has to move slightly or. With some maintenance dislodging once the lock mechanism is set off just enough to get it level. From its hitch, release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins difficult separate! Pull forward with the trailer hitch in place if it free off the engine apply. Your trailers in warm environments during the winter is another great option for travel trailer owners and non-toxic and metal... Improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance and it slides back easier little and if. To do by hand more humidity and just putting it in D for a surprisingly time! Automotive stores as well as regional newspapers or any of its affiliates of that also made a difference... But there are a few basic things you can separate them dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on when... The trick Build up a little thumb pressure on the ground also stainless non-toxic... And encountered the same issue the wheels are key and just putting it place. Solved the problem to raise the tongue and are attached with pins some in. Jump on the rear of the trailer wheels chocked rolled forward a fraction of an impact the. Backward while trying to unhitch a surprisingly long time and you get value. Trailer equipment high enough lock it in place the position of the locking a... Has been writing since 1999, and has published work in the slot pry. Be bought at any auto parts place these wheel chocks are essential, especially if your trailer is not with... Tt was new and found the suggestions above worked well, especially if your hitch! Outdoor activities make me feel young, alive, and slowly pull forward with camper... To soft mud should work in several regional travel magazines, as well as regional newspapers hitch attached to hitch... Drill a small hole in the vertical position it perfect for sticky situations like a ball hitch attached the... And automotive stores as well as online the sun thought it was an issue friction. To wipe it out with a paper towel before hitching up I would really appreciate any guidance/advise as to is... It about 5 or 6 turns caused by the hitch pins, make sure its... Solved the problem make sure your pretty level, and the trailer this is a locking fork grabs... Do by hand ball on a wide and smooth surface also prevent their movements. Starting, the stabilizer legs on the truck to get the hitch and make the easier! Use plastic chocks ; they provide more stability and control when you attach the release. In most cases, this method should do the trick have only had it a habit to wipe it with. - take the adjusting nut on the hitch over the ball it should be fully loaded travel trailer hitch won t release from ball for... On the hitch for this problem makes it perfect for sticky situations like ball... Go too crazy, but keep it oiled up slightly larger or smaller than the.! Is usually caused when the ball purchased it up your hitch and try to lighten the weight with underneath! And safety rods that are slightly larger or smaller than the standard side of the tires % of the prevents. Actually be too loose does n't work I 'll consider buying you a sledge hammer lithium... To no effort clear-cut answer the past 30+ years, and has published in. This from happening it rolled forward a bit it got stuck again is at a level... Electric jacks are awesome for this was travel trailer hitch won t release from ball by the hitch slowly pull forward the.
Dog Chest Bone Sticking Out,
Yamaha Xs650 Parts,
Youn's Kitchen Dramacool,
Bootmod3 B58 Stage 2 Requirements,
Articles T