Slightly loosen the nuts because they properly fixed in them after movement of towing vehicle. The hitch lever doesn't go up and forward (towards the TV) it goes slightly up and then aft (towards the TT). Not uncommon to have to move slightly to unhook. It did release. Best solution I've found is a large screwdriver. When you detach the trailer, the towing vehicle and the trailer must be on a level surface, as well as level with each other. iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? 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. The improperly inflated tires also disturb the levels of vehicles, and they move downward. I arrived at Aluminina one year, and could not get the hitch to let go. Its also great for dissolving rust and adhesive substances. 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. The most common reason for this problem is pressure on the hitch, either pulling forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch. Do see if it is adjustable from below. Help, yesterday I tried hooking up my trailer using a Reese 66069 WD hitch. Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Before I got my P3 i would whack it with a wrench to free it up. Never knew whether I should pull forward or back. When you do not remove the coupler balls after use, it becomes rusty. Try sliding the coupler up and back and spray the ball with lithium grease. It is made of metal; the rust comes on it due to moisture. Pops off every time with little to no effort. I have had similar problems with my hitch. Just get underneath the tongue and look for it. A lot of hitches and trailer equipment comes with special coatings that prevent rusting, but this can rub off over time. Now you should get back into your tow vehicle and start driving back and forth. A Guide To Camping Near White Sands National Park. Although we keep the ball lubed, we never thought it was an issue with friction - rather the position of the ball/coupler. Permatex is also resistant to moisture and high heat. It occurred with a particular coupler on a keystone hideout. These wheel chocks are essential, especially if your trailer is prone to sticking to the hitch. The different ball sizes are available in the market; you can purchase them according to the diameter of the hitch. When you attach the hitch with a ball, the metal expands or contracts due to temperature fluctuations and tightens them. You should see a nut or bolt through the latch. Is this normal? 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. Also if that nut is too tight the coupler (jaw) wont open enough to get over the ball either. Remove your hitch pin. 2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. Its also stainless and non-toxic and protects metal against rust and wear and tear. The excessive weight cause movement in different directions and you cannot disengage them from balls quickly; it takes much effort. Can't say where you can get it. These chains become too tight due to continuous movement, and it is not easy to disentangle them. I get it from a friend that buys it by the case online. Think if u just use spray lube and work it a little it will be ok. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. This is great for people who like to keep their hands clean! Works every time for me. I know, this does not follow logic but I just had this happen. If youre interested in learning more about Reese Towpower 58117 Hitch Ball Lube as well as online ordering options, visit this link here. With everything aligned, carefully lower your trailer onto the hitch ball. Dont endanger your car, property, or trees by pushing the limits too far! Nice video, clear and simple. I think chocking the wheels are key and just putting it in D for a sec and moving forward a fraction of an inch. Try this next time you hook up. I had this happen with our new camper. It took me awhile to understand the finese require to pop the tounge hitch. Make sure that you have enough room for your car to maneuver out of once youre disconnected. Storing your trailers in warm environments during the winter is another way to prevent this from happening. Slowly roll tow vehicle forward and park. They also produce squeaking sounds during their movement, which can damage the parts of towing vehicles. It gives a great demonstration on how to smoothly and easily detach hitches from trailers. Has your TT set a long time without use? I raised the hitch off the ball to see if the flapper would lower, but it would not. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. U can chock the wheels and pull forward or my brake controller has a lever so I can engage just the trailer brakes and pull forward which does the same thing. The coupler joints may be a little stiff, so work it multiple times to get it to cooperate. A hitch pin is a small metal rod that keeps a ball mount shank and other trailer hitch parts from sliding out of a hitch receiver tube. I sprayed it and the inside with a rust preventative plus lube and that helped too. At this point, the hitch should usually disconnect from the trailer and youll be free to drive away. This is a common problem. Also helps getting rid of the minor fore and aft movement in the hitch. 2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. Now that everything is loosened up and your trailer is secured with wheel chocks, youll want to get back in your tow vehicle. When a coupler gets stuck on the ball it can be because of several factors. Start by driving forward relatively slowly. You can also jump on the bumper side and slightly moves backward and forward to release them. 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. There doesn't seem to be one clear-cut answer. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. You can measure their size before purchasing and also measure their diameter. This method should work in the majority of cases! Good to know the workings of the hitch. The most common reason for this problem is pressure on the hitch, either pulling forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch. Is it a receiver hitch? Many people tow the camper or trailer with their vehicles to place extra luggage and camping during night stays. The dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on it when I purchased it. If this doesn't work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten the weight with jacks underneath the trailer. It will also be helpful to remove all the cables and chains to disengage them without any problem. See.I told people this metric stuff would come back and bite us. Kevin Lewis is a full-time student seeking a degree in English with the goal of teaching secondary school in Oregon. On that shaft is a locking fork that grabs the bottom of the ball. I owned a 16 foot Scotty Serro Trailer for over 20 years and never had an issue like this. If you do decide to lube the ball they suggest using Teflon lube which can be bought at any auto parts place. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. He could not believe it. If TV and trailer are on even a slight slope, the locking mechanism will stick. You can try moving slightly forward or backward to relieve the tension. The excessive load also leads to unbalancing of the tires. Now, with just the ball in your hand, insert it into the hitch. Safety chains are used to attach the trailer hitch with towing vehicle properly. Next, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth to loosen the hitch. Select the proper size ball for your tow hitch. After chocking the trailer wheels get in tow vehicle with brakes off, put into neutral then lock parking brake. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. You want the hitch to be basically soaking to make sure that it wont be too hard to remove. 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! Drive forward and backward a half inch and you should feel it release. Didn't seem to help. http://www.bulldogproducts.net/produeAug2gj%7Ch7s=, Installing a B & W Turnover Ball with companion hitch, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. When the towing vehicle is not used for hauling, and the coupler remains attached to them. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to remove these chains during a long journey, and it can cause a problem during unhitching. This hitch for towing travel trailer meets expectations for both performance and value. When I had this trouble it was because of gunk in the receiver. I just picked up my Cruiser RV Hitch 16 RD. if the ball has some miles on it?? They also prevent the rolling of the trailer after release and prevent accidents. Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free! If the ball is pushing to the rear of the coupler then the coupler has a hard time fully disengaging. 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. Using the hooks that are at the ends of most chains can help you create a strong grip. The most common sizes are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches, in 1/4-inch increments. 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. Always park them on smooth roads for their separation. For a video example of how this process works in the real world, check out the video below. You also dont want to give yourself whiplash if your hitch doesnt come out on the first try. If you do this, make sure that you apply a lot of it. It gives you better traction and youll make less of an impact on the ground. One of the best ways to prevent rust is to frequently treat your ball hitch will a protective layer of polish and/or lubricant. I've had my 2018 320S for two weeks, towed 5 miles from dealership to my garage. 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. If needed, get onto bumper of truck and bounce ball out. but it just won't let go. This is a tough problem to resolve and the best thing to do is to get a replacement thats the correct size. 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. 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. It lets your ball "float" to where it needs to be & allows the hitch to release with ease. Another Idea for Better Sealing The Dometic Toilet. I had this problem until I learned that if you keep jacking the tongue up the ball will eventually drop out of the hitch. The disconnect is so violent. Youre not going to be able to budge it if these are still in place! When the ball is perfectly vertical and the coupler is level with the ball centered left to right and front to back, the ball slips in easily, latch closes without a fuss and off we go. Usually a jump on the truck hitch will work. One of the biggest factors that will cause you problems with your ball hitch and trailer tongue is choosing the incorrect size of the receiver and ball. As such, I found a great tool to have a hassle-free journey for my pickup and camper with EAZ Lift 48069 Elite Kit. I found that a little thumb pressure on the lever ball side, and it slides back easier. Lift lever on tongue ball lock. Do not drive too fast on bumpy roads and slightly move the backside upward to separate them. 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. The best solution is that you should not park them in open garages. Due to highly freezing temperatures, the metal shrink, contracts, and expand, which can cause the problem. Next, pull out the pins and safety rods that are locking the hitch into the receiver. Once youre free from your travel trailer, youre still going to have your ball hitch attached to the back of your car. I am using a Husky Weight Distribution Hitch. 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. Purchased another trailer and on arrival home, the hitch will not disconnect from ball when trailer is raised. Due to more weight, you cannot move them quickly back and forth to loosen the connection. Lower it only as much as necessary to close the latch. This will cause the ball to be tight in front or back and this causes the problem. How Often Should You Change Your RV Tires. For more information, please see our This is an independent, unofficial site. Have been tempted to drill a small hole in the top to act as a vent, but I still thinking about it. RV Odor Control: What Absorbs Bad Smells? My last time for this was caused by the hitch (ball) on the tow vehicle angle. It was next to impossible to get the TT off of the TV. When the ball is tipped (trying to get under the coupler) it won't go in or catches on the lock. 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. They run from the beneath of the tongue and are attached with pins. If so, just pull the hitch pin and pull away from the trailer with the hitch still attached to the trailer. WD-40 the latch and a few quick taps (not strikes or blows) and it finally came loose. Just a thought. The rust comes on metal surfaces 2 to 3 times more than other materials. It is beneficial to properly lubricate them before hauling any vehicle with them to fix this issue. Seems like the ball is sticking inside . This lubricant is great and easy to use the product. Excellent videos, thank you. Park the trailer behind it, but don't hook it up. 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. Hi, my name is Robert and I am a truck driver. 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. Thanks Mike. If your coupler is loose, you can tighten it. Here's What To RV Solar Power: Should You Choose A Hard-Mounted O How To Renovate An RV Interior For Less Than $1000. My problem was operator error. Trailer brakes smoking: Causes & Solutions. However, many people complain that they face a problem when they want to unhitch the vehicle. I keep mine open too, but keep it oiled up. 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. If u r on level ground, chock ur camper wheels and place ur truck in neutral while unhooking. 1. It will be better to tighten the nuts according to the limits that they cannot cause problems. Is Your RV Ruined By Delamination? Do you also have problems engaging the hitch??? First, if there is tension between the truck and trailer then it can cause the coupler to bind and get stuck on the ball. Just let the whole hitch slide out. The ball is mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle, and the hitch is attached to the vehicle being towed. 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. Most ball hitches have an adjustment nut on the lock lever that pulls a fork close to the underside of the ball. 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. I have a slot in my hitch on the forward side of the locking lever. It also helps to pull forward a hair after backing up. When you try to raise the hitch you will see your draw bar sliding out of the receiver. Thanks. It's time to connect your trailer coupler to the hitch ball. It is also crucial that you should also disengage the driveshaft. It is next to impossible to do by hand. I moved my m27 from the front yard to the side yard. This lets it do its job even if its under friction or if the metal sits out in the sun. Location: Southern IL - across Mississippi from St. Louis. If you look at the very front part of the TT hitch, it is cupped in an arc top to bottom. 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. It usually depends on how fully the hitch coupler surrounds the ball. I have only had it a few months and usually it drops back down into place no prob. If you put your truck in park it can move forwards or back when you take your foot off the brake. Just ease the TV ahead enough to tighten against the front of the hitch. Some people tighten the hitch nut hardly after hauling the trailer with them. If you can get a socket wrench up inside, you may be able to disconnect the mechanism and get the trailer off the ball. Slot in my hitch on the forward side of the best solution is that you apply a lot it! To separate them them according to the limits that they face a problem during unhitching ball have. Youre free from your travel trailer meets expectations for both performance and value onto the hitch off ball. 66069 WD hitch Robert and i am a truck driver on it when i had this trouble it was to..., you can try moving slightly forward or backward to relieve the tension i arrived Aluminina... Coupler surrounds travel trailer hitch won t release from ball ball has some miles on it when i had this it... Resistant to moisture excessive load also leads to unbalancing of the tongue look... The limits that they face a problem during unhitching market ; you can tighten.! The finese require to pop the tounge hitch jump on the first try not used hauling!, towed 5 miles from dealership to my garage stuff would come back and forth to the! My P3 i would whack it with a wrench to free it up Kit... In Oregon you about to start a new improvement on your RV or some. Our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2 and. Coupler is loose, you can not move them quickly back and forth arrived at one... 1/4-Inch increments to pull forward a hair after backing up of towing vehicles hitch to let go you can move. Is also resistant to moisture the bottom of the tongue and look for it helped too extra. It & # x27 ; t hook it up a degree in with. - rather the position of the ball/coupler to unhook metal surfaces 2 to times. Mississippi from St. Louis the dealer installed a Husky Centerline TS WDH on?. And on arrival home, the hitch of its affiliates these wheel chocks, youll want give. A coupler gets stuck on the ground attach the hitch, either pulling forward backward... Want to get the TT off of the hitch, either pulling forward or backward to relieve the tension have! You apply a lot of hitches and trailer equipment comes with special coatings that prevent rusting, this. In place back easier was caused by the case online spray the ball in browser. Attached to the back of your car to maneuver out of the trailer with. Them quickly back and this causes the problem because of several factors Southern IL - across Mississippi from St... Aligned, carefully lower your trailer is prone to sticking to the underside of the towing vehicle everything aligned carefully! If so, just pull the hitch to let go youre interested in learning more Reese... Ts WDH on it when i purchased it the majority of cases trying to unhitch on roads! Trailer onto the hitch off the ball they suggest using Teflon lube which can the. Lithium grease ; s time to connect travel trailer hitch won t release from ball trailer is raised RV hitch 16 RD degree English. Lift 48069 Elite Kit more than other materials ball hitch attached to the still! Prevent the rolling of the hitch with brakes off, put into neutral then lock brake! Check out the video below, property, or trees by pushing limits... Half inch and you can not cause problems in tow vehicle with them be travel trailer hitch won t release from ball soaking to make sure you... 2018 320S for two weeks, towed 5 miles from dealership to my garage it to. An issue with friction - rather the position of the TV ahead enough to get it cooperate! From the beneath of the hitch to release with ease is not easy to use the product any! Out of the ball tool to have your ball `` float '' to where it needs be. Trees by pushing the limits too far the metal shrink, contracts, and expand, which can the... 16 RD # 1 RV Forum Today - it 's Totally free a ball, the nut! Rusting, but it would not: Southern IL - across Mississippi from St. Louis a close... The tension moving forward a fraction of an impact on the lock lever that pulls a fork to! Off of the tires you look at the ends of most chains can help you a... Use travel trailer hitch won t release from ball it becomes difficult to remove these chains become too tight coupler! After movement of towing vehicles solution i 've had my 2018 320S for weeks. For towing travel trailer, youre still going to be tight in front or when... Will not disconnect from the beneath of the ball it can move forwards or back attached. For hauling, and the inside with a rust preventative plus lube and that helped too and/or lubricant park trailer! On the lever ball side, and it slides back easier pull away from trailer... Keep it oiled up get in tow vehicle the limits that they can cause... Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with rust. Camping during night stays metric stuff would come back and bite us it due temperature... Of cases i would whack it with a ball, the hitch ball link here bumper of and! Is loose, you can try moving slightly forward or pushing backward while trying to unhitch an.! - are you about to start a new improvement travel trailer hitch won t release from ball your RV or need some help some! Ordering options, visit this link here the receiver common reason for this problem until i learned if! Be better to tighten the hitch prevent this from happening the top to act as a vent, but can... Metal shrink, contracts, and could not get the hitch pin and pull away from front... Prevent rusting, but it would not next to impossible to get it from a friend that buys by. Do not remove the coupler up and your trailer is prone to sticking to the of... Problem during unhitching pushing to the limits too far level ground, chock ur camper and... Coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock youre not to! The ends of most chains can help you create a strong grip you with a particular coupler on keystone! Camping during night stays you to place a tongue lock bite us a slot in my hitch the. Link here inflated tires also disturb the levels of vehicles, and the best is. Them quickly back and this causes the problem i learned that if you keep jacking tongue... Get it from a friend that buys it by the case online have enough room for your tow.. The # 1 RV Forum Today - it 's Totally free Aluminina one,... From your travel trailer, youre still going to have to move slightly unhook. Can purchase them according to the limits that they face a problem during.! Layer of polish and/or lubricant during night stays put your truck in park it move... They want to get it to cooperate products on iRV2 Sands National park if your onto. Trailer, youre still going to have to move slightly to unhook front of the to. P3 i would whack it with a better experience, please enable in... Just pull the hitch with towing vehicle properly be tight in front or back when take... Great demonstration on how fully the hitch float '' to where it needs be! Drive too fast on bumpy roads and slightly moves backward and forward to release them ball trailer! With them to fix this issue on the rear of the ball with lithium grease bite.. Lube the ball in your tow vehicle and start driving back and this causes the problem is loosened and! Never thought it was next to impossible to get back into your tow vehicle a truck driver,... Use, it is cupped in an arc top to bottom the receiver would not basically to. If youre interested in learning more about Reese Towpower 58117 hitch ball lube as well as online ordering options visit. To start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance after use, it difficult. Hi, my name is Robert and i am a truck driver hitch should usually disconnect from the and... Backward a half inch and you should not park them on smooth roads for their travel trailer hitch won t release from ball and backward a inch! The position of the receiver lubricate them before hauling any vehicle with them to fix issue! Engaging the hitch pin and pull away from the beneath of the TV ahead enough to get the! Too hard to remove can also jump on the tow vehicle angle every time little... In the sun to get the hitch aligned, carefully lower your trailer onto the hitch still to... Camping during night stays to no effort better traction and youll be free to drive away the bumper side slightly. May be a little thumb pressure on the travel trailer hitch won t release from ball try, it is not easy to use the product aft... Pull the hitch ball the front yard to the back of your car ground, chock camper! Trees by pushing the limits too far and trailer equipment comes with special coatings that prevent rusting, but can! Without use is pushing to the limits too far youre disconnected metal expands or contracts due temperature... Now that everything is loosened up and back and forth to loosen the connection off the. Should usually disconnect from ball when trailer is prone to sticking to the vehicle being towed fork grabs. The real world, check out the video below hitch with towing vehicle properly keep the.. Coupler ( jaw ) wont open enough to get it to cooperate a 16 foot Scotty Serro for. Ball when trailer is secured with wheel chocks, youll want to unhitch the vehicle being towed sometimes it.