2 5/8" ball hard to release

hawkeye-08 wrote:
Maybe I am confused, but 2 5/8 is an unusual size. I am pretty sure I tow with 2 5/16 and that is the standard size. Apologies if I have it backwards....

Hmmmm ... good point. Wonder if the ball he has is too big ...:h

Maybe I am confused, but 2 5/8 is an unusual size. I am pretty sure I tow with 2 5/16 and that is the standard size. Apologies if I have it backwards.

Expect it was a typo, if you have to jump on the hitch to get it to release, it is probably under tension and backing the tow rig up a quarter of an inch will usually release it. Or you may have to pull forward ever so slightly. Figure out which way the problem is and take correct action. It likely won't be the same every time.

It is also possible that the hitch mechanism is bent slightly causing this. The one I had that was bent was not possible to straighten so I ended up replacing it. It was not welded (utility trailer) so replacing was easy. TT usually have them welded... making it harder.

The latching mechanism may be adjusted too tight also, making it hard to unhitch. Be careful messing with that, too loose and you have other issues.

Agree with downtheroad and forthefunofit. And just to emphasize - do NOT switch to a smaller ball. The ball must be a complete, mated fit to the socket on the trailer, ou you run the risk of it slipping off in transit.

CavemanCharlie wrote:
If there is sideways pressure I can have trouble getting mine to release. Rocking the pickup does the trick for me. Some hitches have a adjustment. You have to crawl under the trailer and look up to see it. I'm not sure how you adjust it though. I've never had too.

X2 on the adjustment....

If there is sideways pressure I can have trouble getting mine to release. Rocking the pickup does the trick for me. Some hitches have a adjustment. You have to crawl under the trailer and look up to see it. I'm not sure how you adjust it though. I've never had too.

I agree with downtheroad except on one account. I have found that when I chock the TT, leave a little slack (space) in the chocks allowing the TT room to shift as needed. If your are using X-chocks along with regular chocks, don't put them on till later. I usually wait about an hour for the tires to cool. That way, you get a snugger fit.

I would definitely not use a smaller ball. Since you are greasing, my guess is that the tongue latch is slightly damaged or bent and may need replacing.

Also make sure that there is no tension between the tow vehicle/hitch and the tongue when trying to un-hitch. Chalk securely before trying to raise the tongue.

Sometimes, rocking the tow vehicle very slightly forward or back can help by releasing any tension between them.