Hitch Release Tips w Gas Strut Truck

naturist wrote:
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.

:h

Naturist, not sure what you are talking about.

On standard ball hitches there is a partial ball receptacle pocket in the FRONT of the hitch. Putting pressure by chalking the trailer then pulling forward with your tow vehicle WILL make it impossible to separate the two.

If you study a typical hitch coupler you can easily see what I am saying..



I think what you meant to say is chalk the trailer wheels, put your tongue jack down on the ground, flip the hitch lock into the unlocked position. THEN BACKUP YOUR VEHICLE SLIGHTLY!

This takes tension off of the ball and socket and allows the ball to come out of the indentation in the front of the hitch pocket.

When you flip the hitch lock up it releases the clamp on the rear underside of the ball just enough to allow the ball to move out of the front part of the hitch socket and past the released clamp..

If you study the hitch clamp you will get a better understanding of how it works..



It is also very helpful to LIGHTLY LUBRICATE the ball and socket with some grease.

Op also needs to make sure they are using the correct ball size for their hitch, it is easy to mistake a 2" ball and 2 5/8" ball or a 1 7/8" ball for a 2" ball. The ball size should be well marked on the trailer tongue hitch. Not all RVs use 2 5/8" balls..

Under no circumstances should you attempt to use a smaller ball than what is marked on your trailer to make disconnecting easier..

On edit..

Forgot to mention, release and remove your weight distribution arms before attempting to disconnect the ball.. WD puts additional pressure on the ball when installed and engaged.