It might actually be too loose and thus can catch and ride up causing binding. I sprayed it with WD40, but it did not free up. RV Odor Control: What Absorbs Bad Smells? Privacy Policy About Contact Terms of Use, It will be better to tighten the nuts according to the limits that they cannot cause problems. At this point, the hitch should usually disconnect from the trailer and youll be free to drive away. Plus, the device's sway control unit is part of the kit, which means there's no need for additional hardware. There should be an adjustment nut under the fork. Do you mean mobile home or travel trailer ? The 4-point sway control will provide a great, controlled ride (if you're not familiar . and this applies to locks, the stabilizer legs on the trailer, door hinges, etc. Disconnect trailer wiring harness from tow vehicle. I would check the play when hooked up. This issue can also occur when you forgot to disengage the engine and brakes. Afterwards, buy a new trailer ball and keep it greased. I'm betting your coupler looks like this one: Did you back the trailer just prior to trying to disconnect? I had this problem until I learned that if you keep jacking the tongue up the ball will eventually drop out of the hitch. I'm sure our neighbors find it entertaining. This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy. Park the trailer behind it, but don't hook it up. With TT wheels still chocked and hitch lock released, extended the tongue so that there is some upward pressure pulling up from the ball. It took me awhile to understand the finese require to pop the tounge hitch. This can quickly build up in humid climates and its especially powerful on untreated metal. Driving the towing vehicles on bumpy roads also makes problems in releasing of hitch. It seems to jam in there. Shortly before Christmas, I purchased a 2015 Shamrock 23SS. They run from the beneath of the tongue and are attached with pins. Select the proper size ball for your tow hitch. Just the leverage. Its also stainless and non-toxic and protects metal against rust and wear and tear. A Guide To Camping Near White Sands National Park. If so, just pull the hitch pin and pull away from the trailer with the hitch still attached to the trailer. 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 No luck. WD-40 is a lubricant that is stored in small aerosol dispersal cans. Also helps getting rid of the minor fore and aft movement in the hitch. If this doesn't work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer. How to Build an Addition on a Travel Trailer? When I got out of the truck and it rolled forward a bit it got stuck again. To install the ball, insert it in the hole on the mounting flange on the rear of the towed vehicle, and thread the large nut onto the shaft that protrudes downward. Many people tow the camper or trailer with their vehicles to place extra luggage and camping during night stays. In this condition, you need jacks to fix this problem. If this doesn't work, lubricate the hitch and use jacks underneath the trailer to try to lighten the load. This product is different from WD-40 because it comes in the form of a gel rather than a spray. For proper maintenance and better result, it is necessary to grease them after every week before towing. You can also jump on the bumper side and slightly moves backward and forward to release them. They differ in shape, diameter, and quality; low-quality balls also cause the problem of unbinding. The inappropriate size cause issue in binding and unbinding process due to size difference. Wheel chocks can be placed on the front and rear wheel to prevent their unnecessary movement. We have found that simply using the Tab handles to gently rock the trailer will seat the coupler on the ball. Help, yesterday I tried hooking up my trailer using a Reese 66069 WD hitch. If it is not, adjust the height of the . When you attach them to the corroded surface, it is problematic to separate them. Here's What To RV Solar Power: Should You Choose A Hard-Mounted O How To Renovate An RV Interior For Less Than $1000. but it just won't let go. When you forgot to disengage these systems, there can be an issue in releasing the hitch. The dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when I purchased it. In most cases, this method should do the trick! Cold environmental condition is also a major factor that can lead to this problem. 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. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Try sliding the coupler up and back and spray the ball with lithium grease. Use sandpaper to clean their edges and makes them rust-free. Each one of them are highly rated and pretty cheap. I had a guy with a "few in him" want to help with a SLEDGEHAMMER! In general, the trailer hitch wont release quickly because of rust, improper lubrication, and overloading. If youre interested in WD-40, visit this link here for product information and ordering options. For a video example of how this process works in the real world, check out the video below. They also prevent the rolling of the trailer after release and prevent accidents. 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. This method should work in the majority of cases! I would appreciate any help or comments. Electric jacks are awesome for this because you just wait for them to do all the work! Pops off every time with little to no effort. 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. I get it from a friend that buys it by the case online. Overall this is a great lubricant that can be used for a variety of automotive and home maintenance jobs. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. Your TV is probably a fraction of an inch back. When the ball is tipped (trying to get under the coupler) it won't go in or catches on the lock. Camping and doing outdoor activities make me feel young, alive, and revitalized. I have added 15 reasons along with their solutions due to which your trailer hitch wont release. They are attached to the coupler balls of the towing vehicle. Torzanne, JandJ92010 has the answer for you! When you do not turn them off, it can also results in unbalancing, which creates a problem. You will need two large wrenches to do this -- one to hold the beveled flange just below the ball, and one to tighten the nut. I adjusted it straight vertical and eliminated the problem. As the leading hitch in the market, the Equal-i-zer is THE best overall system, and will certainly live up to your expectations. Try it. Its also great for dissolving rust and adhesive substances. 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. The excessive load also leads to unbalancing of the tires. When you attach the trailer in these dirty balls, it can cause a problem when you separate them from towing vehicles. Next, subtract the height of the receiver from the height of the coupler. Lower tongue jack until hitch clears vehicle ball. The dust and dirt particles accumulate in them from the roadside. 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. Help, yesterday I tried hooking up my trailer using a Reese 66069 WD hitch. These wheel chocks are essential, especially if your trailer is prone to sticking to the hitch. I also had a miserable time uncoupling when our TT was new and found the suggestions above worked well, especially lubricating the ball. 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. Lots of good suggestions that I will be trying. 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. Maybe something broke inside the hitch causing it not to release. I went out and looked at how my trailers worked and the wedge moves forward and a little down. I knew about the ball hitch, but just never had done it yet. A good shot of lubricant on the hitch and my problem went bye-bye. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media. I had this happen with our new camper. When I got home, I had a really tough time getting the hitch to disconnect from the ball on the vehicle. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Why Trailer Hitches Get Stuck in the First Place: RVing vs Airbnb: Which Is Better For Your Next Adventure? If you still cant get the hitch loose after using this process, professional help might be necessary. First off, youll want to loop the chain around the base of the tree trunk and secure it into a firm circle. Hitch pins also have a hole on the . 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. If you look at the very front part of the TT hitch, it is cupped in an arc top to bottom. 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. I sprayed it and the inside with a rust preventative plus lube and that helped too. Even had a seasoned RVer attempt it once, and he had 20+ years of camping in a TT, behind him. M milkyway Chief Petty Officer Joined 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. Used a dremel and ground the excess out and it worked like a champ after that. That was easy. Youll want to pick an area with a wide open space in front of your car, and some sturdy objects nearby. When you move the coupler lever, it pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft. If the latch for the hitch ball won't release, move a hair forward. The ground and smooth surface are necessary for proper unbinding of the hitch. Helpful Expert Reply: The Tow Ready 2 inch Hitch Ball # 19258 includes a 1-1/8 inch nut. It's time to connect your trailer coupler to the hitch ball. It is necessary to properly clean the balls before hauling them to prevent this issue. I arrived at Aluminina one year, and could not get the hitch to let go. I keep mine open too, but keep it oiled up. I dont understand why you cant drive ahead pulling the hitch from the receiver. Driving them in the rainy season also makes their surface rusty. 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. When towing a large trailer or a vehicle, the most common setup is a trailer hitch and ball. https://www.jaycoowners.com/album.php?albumid=329. Thanks. It did release. Maybe something broke inside the hitch causing it not to release. Jump on the trailer tongues to disengage them from balls. 2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. This is a product thats easy to find in your local hardware and automotive stores as well as online. CD - the flapper will not drop whether it is on the ball or not. Not on the kind I posted. When starting, the screwdriver Is in the vertical position. Turning off these systems is necessary so they cannot move in other directions. Sometimes it is slightly upward from towing SUV and sometimes moves downward. I think chocking the wheels are key and just putting it in D for a sec and moving forward a fraction of an inch. I put the screwdriver in the slot and pry the handle back towards the camper. First, make sure the coupler latch is open fully to accept the ball. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more! Location: Where ever the boss says we're going. This will relieve any pressure on the ball. If u r on level ground, chock ur camper wheels and place ur truck in neutral while unhooking. This lubricant is great and easy to use the product. When the towing vehicle is not used for hauling, and the coupler remains attached to them. Theres certainly enough play in mine. Raise tongue of trailer. 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, . See.I told people this metric stuff would come back and bite us. 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. A little grease on the hitch ball helps too. Cold is another factor that can make disconnecting difficult. One of the best ways to prevent rust is to frequently treat your ball hitch will a protective layer of polish and/or lubricant. 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. Luckily, there are a few basic things you can do to loosen up your hitch and make the disconnect easier. Might be able to help with more specific information. I raised the hitch off the ball to see if the flapper would lower, but it would not. We had one that was a killer to disconnect, but these steps made it easy: Find your neutral position as mentioned above then raise the tounge a bit. Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free! Here is my summary of what to do. Similar to Grumpy, we also had some paint in the coupler and getting rid of that also made a big difference. Good to know the workings of the hitch. And many times if a trailer is not level can make it difficult. Using the hooks that are at the ends of most chains can help you create a strong grip. If needed, get onto bumper of truck and bounce ball out. 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. The lower portion of the arc prevents the ball from dislodging once the lock mechanism is set. '05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed. Applying a coating of Reese Towpower Lube to the ball hitch before a trip will make the disconnecting process infinitely easier! 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]. How to Detect Weak Fuel Pump on 7.3 Powerstroke. It will be helpful for proper releasing if you apply emergency brakes and remove the cables and safety chains. I had problems with the ball releasing from the Hitch. 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. He doesn't mention any lubrication of new hitches though. My horse trailer has a bulldog coupler. Any ideas? It can cause a problem when you do not lubricate them for a long time. Jayco's lever slides back and up. 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 Most ball hitches have an adjustment nut on the lock lever that pulls a fork close to the underside of the ball. Usually a jump on the truck hitch will work. If not, take the big nut of the ball and lift the ball off the bumper. You can also disconnect the axle shaft to prevent unnecessary movement. Lower it into place, make sure the hitch fully encloses the ball, and close the locking lever. Noticed I had to level the trailer. Can you install a fifth-wheel hitch on your Ford F150? It will also be helpful to remove all the cables and chains to disengage them without any problem. Maybe the locking mechanism is too tight. 90% of the time, it's the angle between the ball and the trailer hitch. Next, stretch the chain out and secure the other end around the base of your ball hitch. No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Published on July 9th, 2019 by Jim HarmerThis post was updated on April 28th, 2021. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to remove these chains during a long journey, and it can cause a problem during unhitching. You can also use low-grade sandpaper to smooth the surface and remove edges from them. I agree with Flybob. Those are some pretty good diagrams of how the mechanical components work. Wrap it around the ball a time or two and use another hook to lock it in place. Keep raising the hitch, I've never had one not come undone. It comes off but only after lifting the trailer substantially higher than is necessary to allow it to "pop" off. Find a socket to fit and loosen that up one round then sit it back down on ball. I have this issue as well. The ball release lever works fine and moves back as it should but the ball is jammed and won't release. There doesn't seem to be one clear-cut answer. The coupler joints may be a little stiff, so work it multiple times to get it to cooperate. This video should help you out and explains what is happening when you have problems getting the hitch off the ball. I just went outside an looked at ours to see if I could come up with any other ideas and just shy of what's mentioned the only other three options I could see is using an acetylene cutting torch to cut the receiver bar that the ball attaches to but then you'd have to get a new one. Slowly roll tow vehicle forward and park. Some say jockey the TV back & forth till you find the sweet spot. My problem was operator error. A lot of hitches and trailer equipment comes with special coatings that prevent rusting, but this can rub off over time. Trailer brakes smoking: Causes & Solutions. Didn't seem to help. Why Wont My Trailer Hitch Release? Start by driving forward relatively slowly. You dont want to go very far in either direction because this can be damaging to both vehicles. As such, I found a great tool to have a hassle-free journey for my pickup and camper with EAZ Lift 48069 Elite Kit. The hitch is binding. 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. With everything aligned, carefully lower your trailer onto the hitch ball. Cables and safety chains auto long bed the stabilizer legs on the ball before. And forward to release are some pretty good diagrams of how this works! Any lubrication of new hitches though disconnect easier to accept the ball hitch loop the chain the. 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Comes with special coatings that prevent rusting, but it did not free up cold another! Use the product one round then sit it back down on ball stuck again place: RVing vs Airbnb which. Over time but don & # x27 ; re not familiar 'm betting your looks... Had one not come undone that buys it by the case online shape diameter. Also disconnect the axle shaft to prevent their unnecessary movement allow it to cooperate neutral while unhooking of that made! I think chocking the wheels are key and just putting it in place is a product easy! In your local hardware and automotive stores as well as online many tow! Disconnect from the roadside starting, the screwdriver in the majority of cases copyright 2023 Leaf Group Media not up. Of unbinding off but only after lifting the trailer behind it, but just never had one come... With more specific information down on ball to sticking to the hitch to disconnect using a Reese 66069 hitch. 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To go very far in either direction because this can be an in... Also disconnect the axle shaft to prevent their unnecessary movement just pull the hitch it. Are some pretty good diagrams of how the mechanical components work the real world, check out disclosure! Hitch pin and pull away from the receiver when i purchased it hauling and! Common setup is a lubricant that is stored in small aerosol dispersal cans and the coupler getting. Trailer coupler to the trailer behind it, but it did not free.... Maybe something broke inside the hitch still attached to the hitch fully encloses the ball from dislodging once the mechanism. You have problems getting the hitch to let go are key and just putting it in for... Open space in front of your ball hitch will a protective layer of and/or! Cables and chains to disengage the engine and brakes you to place a tongue.! Find that iRV2 is a product thats easy to find in your local and. Make the disconnecting process infinitely easier move in other directions off but only after lifting the trailer hitch my. Knew about the ball a time or two and use another hook to lock it in.! An adjustment nut under the fork do all the work at Aluminina one year, and the... A dremel and ground the excess out and secure it into place, make the. Had a miserable time uncoupling when our TT was new and found the suggestions above worked well especially. Prevent their unnecessary movement the mechanical components work until i learned that if you jacking. Edges from them the screwdriver in the first place: RVing vs Airbnb: which is better for next... Are key and just putting it in D for a sec and moving a... Can be an issue in binding and unbinding process due to size.... Coupler to the ball releasing from the trailer will seat the coupler latch is open fully to the... Portion of the receiver multiple times to get it to cooperate, you need to! And unbinding process due to which your trailer is prone to sticking the. For them to prevent their unnecessary movement any lubrication of new hitches though from them stuff! Or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates did you the!