Trailer hitch problem

[Justbass11]

It really is a simple question. My trailer will not come off the hitch. Any ideas on how to get it off???

[MN Fisher]

If it's a standard coupler, then the underjaw might be too tight. Loosen the lock nut bit-by-bit and wiggle the trailer to see if that frees it. You want at least a little free-play when the hitch is latched. See diagram below.

[A-Jay]

First, release the mechanism that holds the coupler onto the ball.

It may be a lever or a knob that has to be turned.

Some require a dual action move where you would push back or forward on the lever while lifting up on it.

  If you have done this and it seems to be stuck then it is most likely a binding issue.

You can try moving the tow vehicle and trailer forward or backward to release the tension between the ball and coupler. Binding can occur if the trailer and tow vehicle are not on level ground or when the tow vehicle is level and the trailer is not (or the other way around).

Using the trailer jack may also help.

If there is too much weight still on the ball, it may not release.

Raising the jack may free it.

Make sure the coupler is compatible with the ball size you have.

The compatible ball sizes are usually stamped into the metal of the coupler on the top.

The same goes for the ball (once you can see it).

When the coupler releases from the ball, make sure there is no dirt and corrosion on the ball and in the coupler ball cavity.

You can lubricate the ball using grease.

 

 

If none of that helps - might be time for a big hammer.

A-Jay

[NHBull]

Hard to add on what’s been said so far.  When this happens to me, I put a block in front of the trailers tires and put the tow vehicle in drive.  Moving the bal, to the front of the receiver often helps

[Way2slow]

Most of the time, the one on my Javelin won't come off when I first jack it up with the tongue jack.  I usually have to jack it up to when I know it has lifted the hitch enough to release, then get in the truck, and move back and forth a fraction and it pops off.  Sometimes, if say my last action was backing the trailer, I can put it in forward just enough to relieve any pressure that might be on it and get it to come off without having to get back in the truck a second time to release it.  The design of the ball socket in the hitch just has too much curve to release it if there in any pressure one it.  Been having to do that for almost 15 years with that boat.

[MickD]

If it's been working ok before and just started malfing then most likely the mechanism is not going into its open position and all it needs is a little lube (not on the ball, but on the mechanism of the trailer) to free it.

[Justbass11]

Thank you for all the replies I was able to fix my hitch again thank you for the input my bass fishing friends