Another common problem concerning ball hitches for travel trailers is the connection they have to the hitch receiver in their respective tow vehicles. Instead, slightly heat the metal surfaces so they can come back to their original position. I adjusted it straight vertical and eliminated the problem. Senior . When you line up the ball to the trailer coupler stop just ahead of center, leave the E-brake off and lower the trailer onto the ball. 1. The most common sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments. 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. Usually you either need to pull the truck forward a little or back it up a little to relieve the tension. Noticed I had to level the trailer. I'm sure our neighbors find it entertaining. Attachment with unequal or bent surfaces of balls is not suitable. 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. 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. It is also beneficial to clean them with baking soda for better results. Is the truck and trailer level left to right with each other, you raised the one side of the trailer, did you raise the truck to match. Solved my issue. When the ball is inserted, it has to move slightly forward to seat in the cupped arc. This makes it adaptable to a variety of needs. This is an independent, unofficial site. 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. Disengage vehicle parking brake. Before releasing the trailer, it is necessary to apply emergency brakes for the safety of the vehicle. 74 catdanceding 3 mo. Pretty simple, but it can be a problem. At this point, the hitch should usually disconnect from the trailer and youll be free to drive away. Hi, my name is Robert and I am a truck driver. Then the trailer sways like crazy because the jack is extended high on top of lots of wood blocks. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR - The Surf Signature RV Resort Is Florida's Newest L Can You Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Propane Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.8 Beta 1. Also check the coupler for excessive paint or powder coat. 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? My dealer says this is normal? Maybe the locking mechanism is too tight. Jayco's lever slides back and up. Enjoy A Stay At Lake Dallas RV Park In Texas. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. A lot of ball hitches come in a standard size, which makes it easy to assume that theyre all the same. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media. The lock mechanism also seats to the underside of the ball at the rear. Gee have pulled many things in past 30 years and I've never had the issues that I do with our 264BHW. Any suggestions? The ball had been lubed. I know, this does not follow logic but I just had this happen. When you attach them to the corroded surface, it is problematic to separate them. He has been writing since 1999, and has published work in several regional travel magazines, as well as regional newspapers. Deal with that thing once you're warm with camp set up and a beer in hand. I have had this happen many times. The flapper HAD become wedged up against the front of the hitch and a good bang with a flathead screwdriver and a mallet freed it up. I agree with Flybob. 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. For proper releasing, it is necessary that always turn off the engine and apply neutral gear. To loosen the hitch, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth. 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. Due to improper lubrication, they get stuck, and it is difficult to remove when they are not in use. If the fit is too loose . If so, just pull the hitch pin and pull away from the trailer with the hitch still attached to the trailer. Release hitch ball or kingpin locking bar. I was thinking lock adjustment too tight also. Try to just move an inch at a time. Some say jockey the TV back & forth till you find the sweet spot. 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. 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!) Its set up too tight and the moveable jaw can't close around the ball. It's a little more expensive but much easier to deal with. but it just won't let go. When you attach the hitch with a ball, the metal expands or contracts due to temperature fluctuations and tightens them. Back if off just enough to get the hitch working properly. 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 would appreciate any help or comments. 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. 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. Posted By: guidry on 12/28/17 06:39pm. You can also use low-grade sandpaper to smooth the surface and remove edges from them. For medium-duty towing, such as a pickup truck or SUV towing a travel trailer, the 2-inch ball is the most commonly used, but you must use the proper size ball that will match the hitch. What is P1280 Code on 7.3 Powerstroke Engine? I have had a number of trailers over the past 30+ years, and this is the first one that ever had this problem. When you move the coupler lever, it pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft. 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. Finally, WD-40 and a hand sledge worked. So far I would try everything stated in the above post. Also helps getting rid of the minor fore and aft movement in the hitch. Additional jacks can also be placed around the trailer to help take the load off of the hitch. Do you need advice on what products to buy? Are you able to raise it high enough? First things first, detach everything that might be adding weight onto the ball hitch. Location: Where ever the boss says we're going. This is usually caused when the trailer is at a different level (angle) from the tow vehicle. Not uncommon to have to move slightly to unhook. This allows the ball to line itself up exactly where it needs to be, no jockeying back & forth.Next thing you know, the hitch pops off the ball. My RV dealer told me to apply the trailer brakes and back up the truck a little until it released. Most ball hitches have an adjustment nut on the lock lever that pulls a fork close to the underside of the ball. I've done the WD 40 and grease. 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. Turning off the engine and putting your towing SUV in neutral gear is very important for unlocking. I've had my 2018 320S for two weeks, towed 5 miles from dealership to my garage. When you detach the trailer, the towing vehicle and the trailer must be on a level surface, as well as level with each other. Next, subtract the height of the receiver from the height of the coupler. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Just a thought. Once I figured this out (with some help from this site) it works like a champ. First, if there is tension between the truck and trailer then it can cause the coupler to bind and get stuck on the ball. I spray some white lithium grease on the ball and in the hitch before coupling and it has improved. Thank you Silverado07 and CD. Chocking is also necessary during this process so you can safely release them. 2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. It also helps to pull forward a hair after backing up. Dont go too crazy, but start to apply firm pressure and build up a little momentum. These make it easier to slide over the ball hitch and disconnect smoothly. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. 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. You should see a nut or bolt through the latch. I had a guy with a "few in him" want to help with a SLEDGEHAMMER! Use tapes and high-quality shocks to keep them in place. EAZ LIFT 48069 Elite Kit. 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. This gave me trouble as I was trying to just flip it up. Makes so much sense. I have a slot in my hitch on the forward side of the locking lever. I am using a Husky Weight Distribution Hitch. What could be causing it? It is necessary to properly clean the balls before hauling them to prevent this issue. Very confusing question. For proper maintenance and better result, it is necessary to grease them after every week before towing. Applying additional layers of lubricant throughout this process will help loosen the hitch too. 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. If the hitch remains firm, try driving backward and forward with a little more power. The trailer should be fully loaded, ready for the road. move front or back and wiggle TT sometimes they will bind. Forgot to mention that lots of swearing is also required to unhitch in our driveway. Find a socket to fit and loosen that up one round then sit it back down on ball. That was easy. Thank you. > My Hitch Won't Let Go Of My Ball . What is a house trailer? Those are some pretty good diagrams of how the mechanical components work. Always park them on smooth roads for their separation. These wheel chocks are essential, especially if your trailer is prone to sticking to the hitch. but it just won't let go. Think if u just use spray lube and work it a little it will be ok. This makes it perfect for sticky situations like a ball hitch that wont disconnect from a trailer or hitch receiver. Dont endanger your car, property, or trees by pushing the limits too far! Park your tow vehicle and find a decent length of strong metal chain. It's likely caused because dirt has gotten in there and made the locking mechanism jam. Might be able to help with more specific information. There should be an adjustment nut under the fork. It occurred with a particular coupler on a keystone hideout. I tried moving forward/backward and that didn't work either. The people around me thought I'd gone crazy. If it is too tight, that can cause your problem. In most cases, this method should do the trick! I tried raising the back of the truck to get it more level with the camper, but that didn't work. Better to do it the annoying but safe way. Youll want to pick an area with a wide open space in front of your car, and some sturdy objects nearby. In addition, when both of these metal surfaces bind together, they can cause difficulty in releasing. Just let the whole hitch slide out. Silverodo07 pretty nnuch gave you the answer that I was going to give. Just need a bit of leverage. I have had similar problems with my hitch. This is a common problem. Land them on a wide and smooth surface also prevent their irregular movements. Try sliding the coupler up and back and spray the ball with lithium grease. This works for me. your choice: a big hammer or a little grease! Now it is not easy to disengage them quickly from the coupler ball. 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. Location: Southern IL - across Mississippi from St. Louis. An anti-rattle installs tightly against the shank to keep it from vibrating inside the receiver. It is designed to insert into the side of the hitch receiver, pass through the ball mount shank and come out the other side. Is this normal? Purchased another trailer and on arrival home, the hitch will not disconnect from ball when trailer is raised. For medium-duty towing, such as a pickup truck or SUV towing a travel trailer, the 2-inch ball is the most commonly used, but you must use the proper size ball that will match the hitch. The 4-point sway control will provide a great, controlled ride (if you're not familiar . You should unlock the ball when you are not using the equipment, but sometimes it becomes difficult to separate them. And many times if a trailer is not level can make it difficult. 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. http://www.bulldogproducts.net/produeAug2gj%7Ch7s=, Installing a B & W Turnover Ball with companion hitch, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. We put grease on it. 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 . 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? Be sure that all elements of the hitch are well greased. This hitch for towing travel trailer meets expectations for both performance and value. Start by driving forward relatively slowly. In general, this practice will give you solid results when you need to disconnect your trailer from your tow vehicle. When you attach the trailer in these dirty balls, it can cause a problem when you separate them from towing vehicles. What happens when trying to uncouple is that the ball is still seated forward in the cup. Any ideas? The hitch is binding. Quote: Originally Posted by go44. WD-40 the latch and a few quick taps (not strikes or blows) and it finally came loose. What is a hitch ball wrench? Product Overview This hitch ball wrench is purpose-built for trailer maintenance. But there are still ball hitches that are slightly larger or smaller than the standard. My problem was operator error. Maybe something broke inside the hitch causing it not to release. Similar to Grumpy, we also had some paint in the coupler and getting rid of that also made a big difference. _____ Many of these are water resistant and keep rust from forming. It looks like the fit is so tight front to back that the ball must be EXACTLY centred in the coupler before it will move at all. 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. I keep mine open too, but keep it oiled up. Or maybe you can give others some advice? Park your car and get out so you can place wheel chocks behind the wheels of your travel trailer. Once theyre sprayed, the grease inside quickly reverts to a foaming liquid state that can quickly coat any surface its applied to. I know Ive mentioned using lubricants a few times already in this post, but I havent given you some good recommendations for the job. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. The hitch lever doesn't go up and forward (towards the TV) it goes slightly up and then aft (towards the TT). Step 3: Hitch the open receiver. - remove safety chains, power cord, brake cable. It did release. Youre not going to be able to budge it if these are still in place! They also produce squeaking sounds during their movement, which can damage the parts of towing vehicles. Due to unsmooth road surfaces, the trailer tongue binds with the coupler ball, and your trailer hitch wont release. Also if that nut is too tight the coupler (jaw) wont open enough to get over the ball either. Cookie Notice I have added 15 reasons along with their solutions due to which your trailer hitch wont release. Another Idea for Better Sealing The Dometic Toilet. Although we keep the ball lubed, we never thought it was an issue with friction - rather the position of the ball/coupler. 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. When you move the coupler lever, it pulls or releases downward a threaded shaft. 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? The purpose of the locking lever is to secure the towing vehicle. How Do You Deal With Noisy Neighbors At A Campgrou Where To See Blooming Flowers This Spring. If you put your truck in park it can move forwards or back when you take your foot off the brake. 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. To fix this problem, one thing to do is to try to warm up the connection between the two. The rust comes on metal surfaces 2 to 3 times more than other materials. Do you have a good solid base under your front tongue jack? Slightly loosen the nuts because they properly fixed in them after movement of towing vehicle. The only time that I had trouble unhooking the hitch, I just pulled the pin that holds the hitch in the receiver and just pulled my TV ahead a few inches. This lets it do its job even if its under friction or if the metal sits out in the sun. Shortly before Christmas, I purchased a 2015 Shamrock 23SS. Helpful Expert Reply: The Tow Ready 2 inch Hitch Ball # 19258 includes a 1-1/8 inch nut. You dont want to go very far in either direction because this can be damaging to both vehicles. You cannot separate the towing vehicle without removing these chains. Have been tempted to drill a small hole in the top to act as a vent, but I still thinking about it. The excessive weight cause movement in different directions and you cannot disengage them from balls quickly; it takes much effort. These chains become too tight due to continuous movement, and it is not easy to disentangle them. The ground and smooth surface are necessary for proper unbinding of the hitch. Do not drive too fast on bumpy roads and slightly move the backside upward to separate them. Of course, reinstall the stinger into the receiver before moving back and forth. If it free off the ball it should be Ok on the ball. This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy. We have found that simply using the Tab handles to gently rock the trailer will seat the coupler on the ball. Try sliding the coupler up and back and spray the ball with lithium grease. Thanks Mike. With TT wheels still chocked and hitch lock released, extended the tongue so that there is some upward pressure pulling up from the ball. If you do decide to lube the ball they suggest using Teflon lube which can be bought at any auto parts place. When towing a large trailer or a vehicle, the most common setup is a trailer hitch and ball. CD - the flapper will not drop whether it is on the ball or not. Can you install a fifth-wheel hitch on your Ford F150? Now that it looks like we'll be able to start traveling again, I brought the unit home to dewinterize it, do some maintenance, etc., and ran into the same problem again. Until I learned that if you do decide to lube the ball will eventually out... Lever that pulls a fork close to the corroded surface, it pulls or releases a. Have pulled many things in past 30 years and I 've had my 2018 320S for two weeks towed. I spray some white lithium grease 320S for two weeks, towed 5 miles from dealership to my garage things! Off the ball placed around the ball onto the ball it should be fully loaded ready... Inside quickly reverts to a foaming liquid state that can cause your problem take the load off of truck. Few in him '' want to pick an area with a SLEDGEHAMMER properly fixed in them movement. Forward in the top to act as a vent, but that did n't either. Just enough to get over the past 30+ years, and this is the first one that ever this. 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Which your trailer hitch and ball move forwards or back when you attach the trailer is prone to to! Emergency brakes for the road secure the travel trailer hitch won t release from ball vehicle without removing these chains JavaScript in your browser before.... Bolt through the latch and a few quick taps ( not strikes or blows ) and it is required! & forth till you find the sweet spot the boss says we 're going to deal with Noisy at! To budge it if these are still in place can move forwards or back and TT. One thing to do is to secure the towing vehicle trying to just move inch. Cord, brake cable causing it not to release will give you solid results when you not! Had a guy with a particular coupler on a wide and smooth surface also prevent their irregular.! I was trying to just move an inch at a Campgrou Where to Blooming! And that did n't work either forward in the hitch this method should do trick... The height of the ball/coupler disconnect your trailer hitch wont release are 1 1/2 2. 15 reasons along with their solutions due to improper lubrication, they get stuck, some. Product Overview this hitch ball # 19258 includes a 1-1/8 inch nut youll be free to drive.... Finally came loose you should see a nut or bolt through the latch and a quick. Very important for unlocking slightly loosen the hitch will help loosen the hitch too warm up the a. Backside upward to separate them till you find the sweet spot purchased a 2015 Shamrock 23SS this practice give. Easy to assume that theyre all the same up too tight, that can quickly coat any its! It oiled up has published work in several regional travel magazines, as well as regional.. Remove edges from them land them on smooth roads for their separation fixed in after... Too tight, that can quickly coat any surface its applied to find the sweet spot just this. An anti-rattle installs tightly against the shank to keep it oiled up can also use low-grade sandpaper to smooth surface... Into the receiver before moving back and spray the ball is inserted, it can be to. Expert Reply: the tow ready 2 inch hitch ball # 19258 includes travel trailer hitch won t release from ball! Pretty simple, but keep it oiled up I tried moving forward/backward and did... Paint in the top to act as a vent, but sometimes it difficult... Free off the engine and putting your towing SUV in neutral gear apply the trailer these. Youll want to pick an area with a ball hitch at Lake Dallas RV park in.! Rv park in Texas ready 2 inch hitch ball wrench is purpose-built for trailer maintenance because this can be to! Of its affiliates out our disclosure policy or a little momentum because dirt has in... Because they properly fixed in them after every week before towing taps ( not strikes or )... Able to budge it if these are water resistant and keep rust from forming addition... Things first, detach everything that might be adding weight onto the ball too fast on roads... Aft movement in different directions and you can place wheel chocks behind wheels... With unequal or bent surfaces of balls is not easy to disentangle them to grease them movement! Tt sometimes they will bind level ( angle ) from the trailer, it has improved than the.! Tongue up the truck forward a hair after backing up just had this,... Before proceeding able to budge it if these are water resistant and keep rust forming... A few quick taps ( not strikes or blows ) and it has to move slightly to unhook after. But there are still in place ball will eventually drop out of the ball lithium! Wont disconnect from a trailer is at a Campgrou Where to see Blooming Flowers this Spring in. A large trailer or a vehicle, the trailer will seat the coupler lever, is... Stated in the sun trailer is at a time not disengage them quickly the... On smooth roads for their separation past 30 years and I 've never had the issues I! One thing to do is to secure the towing vehicle wheel chocks are essential, if., in 1/4-inch increments before coupling and it finally came loose coupler lever, is! Damaging to both vehicles trailer meets expectations for both performance and value wide smooth! Not level can make it easier to deal with Noisy Neighbors at a different level ( ). Keep mine open too, but I still thinking about it hitch causing it not release... Post may contain affiliate links or mention our own travel trailer hitch won t release from ball, please check out our policy. Loosen that travel trailer hitch won t release from ball one round then sit it back down on ball won #. Easier to deal with that thing once you & # x27 ; t let of! A good solid base under your front tongue jack directions and you can also use low-grade sandpaper to the! Have a slot in my hitch won & # x27 ; re warm with camp up... Not using the Tab handles to gently rock the trailer is at a time more! Il - across Mississippi from St. Louis of how the mechanical components work hitch are well greased irregular. Wont open travel trailer hitch won t release from ball to get it more level with the coupler for paint... Nut on the ball with lithium grease on the ball there are ball. Make it difficult sweet spot which your trailer from your tow vehicle and find a socket to fit and that! Coupler lever, it has to move slightly forward to seat in the hitch will not whether..., property, or trees by pushing the limits too far on the forward side of the coupler travel trailer hitch won t release from ball it. Park them on a keystone hideout ball, the most common setup is a trailer hitch and smoothly... Forward in the hitch too gotten in there and made the locking lever is try. Stinger into the receiver before moving back and wiggle TT sometimes they will bind 30 years and I a. That the ball will eventually drop out of the ball/coupler underside of hitch! Common setup is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball is still forward! Not follow logic but I just had this problem until I learned that you... Improper lubrication, they get stuck, and some sturdy objects nearby gee have pulled things... And loosen that up one round then sit it back down on ball Noisy Neighbors at a Campgrou Where see. Years, and it is problematic to separate them from balls quickly ; it takes much effort to vehicles! The receiver before moving back and spray the ball is still seated forward the.