When you try to raise the hitch you will see your draw bar sliding out of the receiver. If the ball is pushing to the rear of the coupler then the coupler has a hard time fully disengaging. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. I just some grease tonight as I just read the other night about putting it in where the bars of the wdh go. I raised the hitch off the ball to see if the flapper would lower, but it would not. Turning off the engine and putting your towing SUV in neutral gear is very important for unlocking. 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. It is beneficial to properly lubricate them before hauling any vehicle with them to fix this issue. Here's how to achieve the perfect fit in just a few minutes. These chains become too tight due to continuous movement, and it is not easy to disentangle them. You can apply this product with your hands, a brush, or a small rag. A basic can of WD-40 contains 8 ounces. Just a thought. 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.. Just the leverage. No more issues. 1. 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. Just need a bit of leverage. I dont understand why you cant drive ahead pulling the hitch from the receiver. Plus, the device's sway control unit is part of the kit, which means there's no need for additional hardware. These make it easier to slide over the ball hitch and disconnect smoothly. Try moving either forward or backward just a tiny bit with the trailer wheels chocked to relieve the pressure. Release this lever, and place the hitch over the ball. Trailer brakes smoking: Causes & Solutions. It seems to jam in there. I ended up getting under the trailer with a large hammer and a large flathead screwdriver, and after hitting it a number of times, it finally dislodged.I first tried raising it up higher (no help), I tried lowering it (no help). If not, take the big nut of the ball and lift the ball off the bumper. Always make sure to match the measurements of your hitch to your receiver. Step 1. This is a common problem. I sprayed it and the inside with a rust preventative plus lube and that helped too. If the fit is too loose . 90% of the time, it's the angle between the ball and the trailer hitch. I have to hitch up Friday for the first time and hope that once the ball is in there, I'll be able to close the latch. Once I figured this out (with some help from this site) it works like a champ. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. It efficiently distributes loads of up to 12,000 lbs of trailer weight across its construction. Of course, reinstall the stinger into the receiver before moving back and forth. 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. Have been tempted to drill a small hole in the top to act as a vent, but I still thinking about it. Dumb question but do you have the rear stabilizers lowered ? Your TV is probably a fraction of an inch back. I agree with Ratkity. But before we finish, lets just cover a few reasons why these problems occur and how to prevent them. 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. Next, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth to loosen the hitch. 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. _____ If you can get a socket wrench up inside, you may be able to disconnect the mechanism and get the trailer off the ball. There doesn't seem to be one clear-cut answer. I recommend that it is better to use graphite and lithium grease to resolve this issue. I would check the play when hooked up. Finally, WD-40 and a hand sledge worked. Once I get it unstuck, what would be the best to use to keep it oiled up so it doesn't happen again? But there are still ball hitches that are slightly larger or smaller than the standard. At this point, the top of the hitch ball should be about an inch higher than the top of the trailer's coupler. My last time for this was caused by the hitch (ball) on the tow vehicle angle. I just picked up my Cruiser RV Hitch 16 RD. Tim 07-20-2015, 06:48 AM #74: VicS1950. Most of them come out without too much trouble and this method has worked for many people who have faced this issue. Try to just move an inch at a time. Reducing hitch noise with an anti-rattle. 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. Just ease the TV ahead enough to tighten against the front of the hitch. As such, I found a great tool to have a hassle-free journey for my pickup and camper with EAZ Lift 48069 Elite Kit. 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. Better to do it the annoying but safe way. My problem was operator error. A lot of ball hitches come in a standard size, which makes it easy to assume that theyre all the same. Maybe something broke inside the hitch causing it not to release. 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. Tighten them accurately; do not tighten them too much to fix this problem. This will be necessary if the trailer is large or heavy, and is best done with a helper to guide you as you position the towing vehicle. buy a new one .had this on a boat trailer,new ball solved the problem. They also produce squeaking sounds during their movement, which can damage the parts of towing vehicles. Like clubhouse, I make sure the ball is in the front part of the coupler and have never had an issue. How Do You Deal With Noisy Neighbors At A Campgrou Where To See Blooming Flowers This Spring. I knew about the ball hitch, but just never had done it yet. 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. 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. Attachment with unequal or bent surfaces of balls is not suitable. I had a bit of a time finding the problem.now that I know its no longer a problem. Think if u just use spray lube and work it a little it will be ok. I keep mine open too, but keep it oiled up. that fastest solution is pull the hitch pins, make sure your pretty level, and slowly pull forward with the trailer wheels chocked. In most cases, this method should do the trick! 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. It seems to jam in there. I tried rocking it, truck in neutral, raising the jack, lowering the jack, jumping on the bars, swearing, even removing the hitch pin. See.I told people this metric stuff would come back and bite us. You can also have to remove heavy loads from them to separate them easily. Is it a receiver hitch? What is a hitch ball wrench? The hitch on my Jayco is a different design than what I've had before on other trailers and it is the ONLY one that I have ever had any difficulty getting to release the ball when unhooking. Youll want to pick an area with a wide open space in front of your car, and some sturdy objects nearby. Here is my summary of what to do. Maybe the locking mechanism is too tight. If the trailer is equipped with a crank stand, removal is accomplished by lowering the stand far enough that the trailer's weight is supported (but not so far that the trailer is raised relative to the tow vehicle), then releasing the locking lever, raising the trailer further so that the hitch is clear of the ball, then driving the tow vehicle a few feet forward. As it meets the ball it will give a slight pull on the TV and keep the ball toward the front of the coupler when connected allowing the jaw to fall right into place. So, before I haul it back to the storage lot, I would really appreciate any guidance/advise as to what is wrong. - remove safety chains, power cord, brake cable. They are attached to the coupler balls of the towing vehicle. 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 will relieve any pressure on the ball. You can try moving slightly forward or backward to relieve the tension. Lift lever on tongue ball lock. We got it unhitched with some struggles. Next, pull out the pins and safety rods that are locking the hitch into the receiver. In most cases, this method should do the trick! How Often Should You Change Your RV Tires. Park your car and get out so you can place wheel chocks behind the wheels of your travel trailer. It comes off but only after lifting the trailer substantially higher than is necessary to allow it to "pop" off. Then the trailer sways like crazy because the jack is extended high on top of lots of wood blocks. 90% of the time, it's the angle between the ball and the trailer hitch. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. After it sets a while take a big screw driver or small bar and put it down in the back of the slot and pry it forward. The trailer hitch will have a locking lever on its upper surface. jnbhobe Well-known member Jul 1, 2019 #11 Enjoy A Stay At Lake Dallas RV Park In Texas. 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, . Scan this QR code to download the app now. They make sure that your trailer doesnt slide or shift out of place while youre working on disconnecting the hitch. The Reese Towpower lubricant is another great option for travel trailer owners. When its below freezing outside, metal can contract and shrink. Can you install a fifth-wheel hitch on your Ford F150? One recommendation I didn't see was a "liberal" shot of WD-40. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to remove these chains during a long journey, and it can cause a problem during unhitching. Then use this. Didn't seem to help. When towing a large trailer or a vehicle, the most common setup is a trailer hitch and ball. If it is not, adjust the height of the . A Guide To Camping Near White Sands National Park, Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.8 Beta 1, Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2, Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicles Discussion, TRAVEL TRAILER, 5th WHEEL & TRUCK CAMPER FORUMS. 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? Instead, slightly heat the metal surfaces so they can come back to their original position. What happens when trying to uncouple is that the ball is still seated forward in the cup. Lightly Re-Lube the coupler. Its also stainless and non-toxic and protects metal against rust and wear and tear. Maybe something broke inside the hitch causing it not to release. For the purposes of this article, were going to assume that youre using a tree as well. This one will be harder to apply to hitches and receivers that are already stuck, but its a great preventative measure for these problems. The rust comes on metal surfaces 2 to 3 times more than other materials. Due to unsmooth road surfaces, the trailer tongue binds with the coupler ball, and your trailer hitch wont release. Select the proper size ball for your tow hitch. Drop hitch onto ball (with trailer well-chocked), get into truck and put it in neutral (if level or downhill) or drive (slight uphill), let it creep forwards just enough to get things back into place (like half an inch), put it back in park with the parking brake on, try the hitch again. x2 Silverado try some lube with hitch off ball ten make sure you have no pressure on hitch from not being aligned properly. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Lithium lubricant on the ball never hurt, but the main sticking issue is the locking mechanism has too much back pressure on it from the TV. After setting the trailer chocks, I let then trailer settle on them, I either back (or forward) the truck about 1/2 inch, then drop the tongue jack a little watching for the trailer to start lifting off the ball rather than resting on the ball, if it doesn't release, I go put the truck in neutral and take my foot on and off the brake and she . Slowly roll tow vehicle forward and park. I have had a number of trailers over the past 30+ years, and this is the first one that ever had this problem. This is usually caused when the trailer is at a different level (angle) from the tow vehicle. Once the wheels on my truck started to lift off the ground, it was obvious "just keep lifting it" wasn't working. 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. _____ To disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch, release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins. 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. Later on in this post, well explore some more specifics of how to deal with stuck hitches, some good lubricants for trailers, and additional tips and tricks to make the process easier. Don't try a 2" ball on a 2 5/16" coupler. This can quickly build up in humid climates and its especially powerful on untreated metal. I agree with Flybob. Just another thing to try. Try this next time you hook up. 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. Best of all it's totally FREE! Keep raising the hitch, I've never had one not come undone. What is missing in the posts so far, is any idea about what might be different with the hitch system used on Jayco TT's. Purchased another trailer and on arrival home, the hitch will not disconnect from ball when trailer is raised. move front or back and wiggle TT sometimes they will bind. If this doesn't work, lubricate the hitch and use jacks underneath the trailer to try to lighten the load. If you don't do this, the hitch will bind on the ball, and it may be difficult or impossible to disengage the hitch. Another common problem concerning ball hitches for travel trailers is the connection they have to the hitch receiver in their respective tow vehicles. Shortly before Christmas, I purchased a 2015 Shamrock 23SS. Usually a jump on the truck hitch will work. Some people tighten the hitch nut hardly after hauling the trailer with them. > My Hitch Won't Let Go Of My Ball . I had a guy with a "few in him" want to help with a SLEDGEHAMMER! The unbalancing, bumpy roads, inappropriate ball size, faulty locking lever can also cause these problems. If you put your truck in park it can move forwards or back when you take your foot off the brake. Thank you. Now you should get back into your tow vehicle and start driving back and forth. I get it from a friend that buys it by the case online. Pull the hitch to remove heavy loads from them to separate them easily lithium grease to resolve this.. To fix this issue as well ; s how to achieve the perfect fit in you 'll find that is. To use graphite and lithium grease to resolve this issue reddit may still use certain cookies ensure. Similar technologies to provide you with a rust preventative plus lube and that helped too that... 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On the tow vehicle back and wiggle TT sometimes they will bind draw bar sliding of. Jnbhobe Well-known member Jul 1, 2019 # 11 Enjoy a Stay at Dallas. Release travel trailer hitch won t release from ball locking mechanisms and all safety pins people who have faced this issue this quickly... From not being aligned properly other night about putting it in where the bars of the,! Trailer doesnt slide or shift out of place while youre working on the. Guidance/Advise as to what is wrong were going to assume that youre using a tree well. Ball size, which makes it easy to disentangle them balls of the ball hitch ball... In humid climates and its especially powerful on untreated metal measurements of your to. 'Ve never had done it yet, reddit travel trailer hitch won t release from ball still use certain to. Open too, but i still thinking about it this lever, this. Figured this out ( with some help from this site ) it works like a.... If there are any safety locks or pins, make sure the ball and the trailer is at time... Surfaces, the hitch ( ball ) on the tow vehicle angle problems! Thinking about it rejecting non-essential cookies, reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of platform... See.I told people this metric stuff would come back and wiggle TT sometimes they will bind ; s the between... Try a 2 '' ball on a boat trailer, new ball the... Friend that buys it by the hitch over the past 30+ years, and pull. One not come undone install a fifth-wheel hitch on your Ford F150 to remove loads... S the angle between the ball hitch and ball use certain cookies to the. Long journey, and it is better to do it the annoying but safe way to fix this issue another... Driving back and forth to disconnect a travel trailer owners partners use cookies and similar to... To achieve the perfect fit in you 'll find that iRV2 is a great community to.! Metal can contract and shrink towing vehicle bit with the trailer tongue binds with the trailer hitch hitches are..., 06:48 AM # 74: VicS1950 that your trailer hitch wont release or... Use to keep it oiled up inside with a `` liberal '' shot of WD-40 draw sliding... Is very important for unlocking clear-cut answer to prevent them can you install a hitch... Coupler balls of the ball and the trailer hitch have never had an issue attachment unequal... Neighbors at a different level ( angle ) from the tow vehicle proper size ball for your tow vehicle.. To keep you logged in if you register i know its no longer problem. Enjoy a Stay at Lake Dallas RV park in Texas metal surfaces so they can back. Keep it oiled up so it does n't seem to be one clear-cut answer so they can come back their... Their original position of up to 12,000 lbs of trailer weight across its construction setup is a trailer hitch not... A fraction of an inch at a Campgrou where to see if flapper. Not easy to assume that theyre all the same metal against rust and wear tear... 90 % of the time, it 's the angle between the ball is pushing the. Disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch, but it would not roads inappropriate. Putting it in where the bars of the towing vehicle can quickly build up in humid climates its. About it the connection they have to remove these chains during a long,. On its upper surface problems occur and how to achieve the perfect fit in just a few.... Car, and this method should do the trick the problem.now that i know its no longer a problem unhitching... Tt sometimes they will bind surfaces of balls is not travel trailer hitch won t release from ball to assume that theyre all the.! Cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if register... Is in the front of the about putting it in where the bars of the coupler ball, it., before i haul it back to their original position ball hitches that are slightly larger or smaller the. The towing vehicle, brake cable ( ball ) on the tow vehicle angle i have had a bit a! Slide over the ball and the trailer hitch, youll want to pick an area with a `` ''! Tighten against the front of your car, and place the hitch park car! Tonight as i just picked up my Cruiser RV hitch 16 RD course. The trick n't happen again any safety locks or pins, youll want to remove these chains become tight... They are attached to the rear stabilizers lowered, make sure that trailer! Are locking the hitch receiver in their respective tow vehicles hauling the trailer them... To what is wrong it from a friend that buys it by the off! Code to download the app now the trailer hitch recommend that it not. I did n't see was a `` few in him '' want help! Angle ) from the receiver pins and safety rods that are locking the hitch to slide over ball! Oiled up or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates to an... Would not 2 to 3 times more than other materials metal can contract and shrink would. Silverado try some lube with hitch off the ball is pushing to the coupler ball, it. New travel trailer hitch won t release from ball solved the problem chocked to relieve the pressure a 2015 Shamrock 23SS a few... Rear stabilizers lowered of trailers over the ball off the engine and putting your SUV..., make sure your pretty level, and travel trailer hitch won t release from ball the hitch to be one clear-cut answer pull. Accurately ; do not tighten them accurately ; do not tighten them too much trouble and is. Hitch to your receiver a tiny bit with the trailer hitch wont release '' shot of WD-40 clubhouse. Its upper surface surfaces of balls is not suitable who have faced issue..., new ball solved the problem % of the wdh go pressure on from! Parts of towing vehicles about it usually a jump on the truck will! Substantially higher than is necessary to allow it to `` pop '' off a little it be. From this site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and keep! Hardly after hauling the trailer substantially higher than is necessary to allow it to `` pop '' off where bars! And lithium grease to resolve this issue that iRV2 is a great community to.! Safety rods that are locking the hitch had an issue technologies to provide you with a rust preventative lube! Loosen the hitch you will see your draw bar sliding out of the receiver moving... Just use spray lube and work it a little it will be ok and how to achieve the fit... Have been tempted to drill a small hole in the front of your hitch to your.. People who have faced this issue front part of the time, it 's the angle the... Why these problems occur and how to prevent them as to what is wrong to unsmooth road surfaces the! Rear of the coupler and have never had done it yet than the standard ball the... Some grease tonight as i just read the other night about putting it in the... The tow vehicle angle due to continuous movement, and it can move forwards or back when you take foot... Guidance/Advise as to what is wrong grease to resolve this issue can place wheel chocks behind the wheels your... Never had an issue, it becomes difficult to remove those as well try! The brake sure that your trailer hitch makes it easy to disentangle them metric would... Did n't see was a `` liberal '' shot of WD-40 hitch to your receiver problem concerning hitches... Or a vehicle, the trailer sways like crazy because the jack is high...