Also....gotta get the flat spot on top of the ball to align with the dome top portion that allows the ball to back out of the dome capture area. This includes making sure the setup is level so that the ball’s flat spot top will be allowed to move backwards. If the ball/coupler is at the ‘high’ spot of the ‘v’, then no amount of force can move the ball backwards...as the coupler dome won’t allow it
The latch assembly is an area checked, lubed at the beginning of EACH trip. And grease the ball lightly with regular greases gun grease.
HITCH WON'T RELEASE.BenK wrote:
Good to hear the OP has solved this and add for others and future reference
Below quote from an old comment and add...
Backing up moves the ball out of the front coupler hemisphere
...where it goes below the ball equator to keep the ball from moving down and out
The rear portion of the coupler dome has nothing to hole the ball except for the latch pawl.
Undoing the latch removes that interference to allow the ball to move backwards. Again, why backing up with the trailer tires blocked and unlatched allows the ball to come out of the front couple dome
This image shows one type of latch, but they all (most) look like this
This image is of the flat stop on top of most balls and is to allow the ball to move rear wards, out of the coupler dome capture area
HITCH BALL STUCK IN TRAILER TOUNGE
benk wrote:
Posted: 12/09/10 07:27pm
I've had a few experiences with this on various trailers.
First, you know how 'most' couplers work? That might help understand how/why it is
stuck
The forward portion of the coupler (towards the TV) is 'cupped' with the bottom
end of the 'round' complete enough to go 'underneath' the ball's lower hemisphere
Meaning it won't allow the coupler to move up and off of the ball.
The latch has a 'tang' or 'pawl' that goes underneath the rear of the ball.
This 'tang' or 'pawl' is most likely stuck and/or the ball is still 'up' against
the couple's 'cup'
The latch should have an adjustment to tighten or loosen that 'tang'/'pawl'. If
you haven't, try squirting some sort of frozen bolt whatever into that.
Finally, I'd just take the balls nut off and then work on it
