stuck coupler

[The_Kroc]

I have a coupler that is stuck on the ball of the hitch. Mt TT is a 6 month old Jayco Jayflight that has always been difficult to get off the hitch. I finally just pulled my truck forward to get the hitch off the receiver and I still can't get the coupler off the ball. It's hanging from the coupler and won't come off. Any Ideas? Is this a warranty covered issue?

[mkirsch]

Normally though, there is enough give in the suspensions of the truck and trailer that the ball will pop off without going through any special machinations, once you jack the trailer tongue high enough. Just keep going, and gravity will eventually take over.

The exception to that, aside from a coupler that is not operating correctly or is too tight, is if there is a exceptional amount of pull or push on the ball. Such as when you're parked on a hill. Then you often need to move the tow vehicle, after chocking the wheels on the trailer so it can't roll, to relieve the pressure.

[BenK]

The general design of most couplers is to have the FRONT portion of the
coupler 'dome' go down past the equator to create an interference
so that the ball will NOT come out of the coupler dome

The rear/back portion of the coupler dome does *NOT* go down past
the equator and the interference is the latch assembly (pawl)

Equator...the largest dia portion of the ball...there is a flat
spot on most all tow balls and is to allow the ball to move rearwards
and drop out of the coupler dome

Normal method of getting the ball out of the coupler dome is to first
let the latch pawl out of the way via it's lever

BACK UP the TV to move the ball rear words. Have had to block the
trailer tires, back up to have that force on the ball/coupler (while
in park & parking brake on) and then wack/jump/etc on the coupler
to hear it pop out...some times with a thud...

Then remove the weight...to a negative weight with the tongue jack

Normally, the ball will drop out

If stuck, then either the ball is still in the front portion of
the coupler dome...or the latch pawl is NOT getting out of the way

Either the latch is not adjusted well and/or it is worn/stuck

Here are some side view cross sections of some of the latch designs
to help you see where yours might be hanging up


couplerlatch latchpawl

[mkirsch]

The Kroc wrote:
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll go back to the storage site tomorrow armed with some heavy duty tools to see if I can break it loose. Could the coupler be damaged?

Of course it could. That is why I recommended that you LOOK and see if it is working properly!

But, it probably isn't. It's probably just tight from being new, and might need to be adjusted slightly. If the hitch falls out to easily, there is a possibility that it could fall off on the road...

You would've had to tried really hard to damage it.

[dave17352]

BTPO1 wrote:
I am not sure about yours, but on my boat trailer there is a nut on the bottom and can be loosened slightly to make it looser or tighter. Also as was stated earlier check to see if the ball is the right size. A 1 7/8" and 2" ball are similar in size if your trailer takes a 1 7/8" ball. JMO

x2 should be adjustable and of course be sure your ball size is right.

[The_Kroc]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll go back to the storage site tomorrow armed with some heavy duty tools to see if I can break it loose. Could the coupler be damaged?

[astraelraen]

Mine does this occasionally, I believe its mostly because of the pad my trailer sits on is not level with the driveway I back the truck up to.

Usually I hit it with a hammer. If that doesn't work I press the gas gently in forward and reverse then slam on the brakes immediately. If I do that a few times it will generally always jar the ball loose.

[Campfire_Time]

Mine is in it's 3rd season and sometimes the ball still sticks. I have to jump on the hitch to drop it down. As said above, make sure the parts are moving.

[coolbreeze01]

Too much down angel on the ball has caused mine to be sticky, but always came loose before the rear tires on the pickup came off the ground.

[ChooChooMan74]

My Brand New Roo has issues. Sometimes, a few taps from the pipe I use for my WDH is all it needs to come free. I figure it was new and would need to be worn in.

[bluie5]

I've had that on my TT when it was new and have seen it on the Jayco Owners forum. It will get better with time as paint rubs off the parts from use. In the mean time some spray lube will help.

[BTPO1]

I am not sure about yours, but on my boat trailer there is a nut on the bottom and can be loosened slightly to make it looser or tighter. Also as was stated earlier check to see if the ball is the right size. A 1 7/8" and 2" ball are similar in size if your trailer takes a 1 7/8" ball. JMO

[mkirsch]

On a ball coupler, there is usually a "jaw" that comes up from behind the ball to secure it in the coupler. It is visible from underneath the coupler.

Get down on the ground, or get a mirror, and look while you operate the latch on top to see what the jaw is doing. Is it moving at all? Is it not moving enough?

BE CAREFUL. Don't put your head or any body part under the tongue of the trailer. It would be just your luck for the coupler to finally release, and drop the hitch on your face.

Rust should not be an issue on a 6 month old trailer unless you towed it through knee-deep salt water. It is likely either a faulty coupler or an adjustment issue.

[mbutts]

If you're sure it's unlatched, you could tap on it with a hammer (not enough to dent it) to see if you can free it up. Spraying a penetrating oil (like Liquid Wrench) may help, too.

Possible issues that can cause this are rust or using an larger ball than the coupler's size.