Hitch Release Tips w Gas Strut Truck
I seem to be having a challenge getting the hitch/tongue to release the ball when disconnecting my trailer. The hitch lifts the truck as the jack raises the trailer tongue. I have tried hitting the hi...
Forum Discussion
This has been discussed often here. You have just found an important safety feature, and the solution to the issue is ridiculously easy.
Last thing in the world you want is the trailer hopping off the ball as you tool down the freeway. It's always bad. So the latch has been designed to grip harder whenever the ball pulls down/out of the cup-and-shoe that holds it. So if you are already lifting or if the TV is pushing backward on the ball, it resists unlatching.
All you have to do is chock the trailer wheels so it won't roll forward, then put the TV in drive and put a tiny bit of "pull" on the trailer BEFORE you attempt to lift the trailer off the ball. You will then be able to unlatch with one finger, no hammer, no hitting, no hocus-pocus.
No need to pull hard. Usually just slipping the TV into gear and let idle pull a wee bit. Release the latch, shut off the engine, and start jacking the hitch up.
If you insist on using force, you will eventually damage the latch and put yourself at risk of having the trailer come loose. Don't DO that.
Last thing in the world you want is the trailer hopping off the ball as you tool down the freeway. It's always bad. So the latch has been designed to grip harder whenever the ball pulls down/out of the cup-and-shoe that holds it. So if you are already lifting or if the TV is pushing backward on the ball, it resists unlatching.
All you have to do is chock the trailer wheels so it won't roll forward, then put the TV in drive and put a tiny bit of "pull" on the trailer BEFORE you attempt to lift the trailer off the ball. You will then be able to unlatch with one finger, no hammer, no hitting, no hocus-pocus.
No need to pull hard. Usually just slipping the TV into gear and let idle pull a wee bit. Release the latch, shut off the engine, and start jacking the hitch up.
If you insist on using force, you will eventually damage the latch and put yourself at risk of having the trailer come loose. Don't DO that.
