Un-Hitching

[EagleScout-USA]

We just came off the lot today with a new Jayco 26BHS. This is a nice upgrade from our previous hybrid 23B. I had some issues "breaking" the ball from the coupler today, and was hoping some strategies could be offered. It is all of my original equipment WD hitch, retooled for our new trailer. My driveway pitches slightly upward, leaving back bumper higher and the nose of my truck angled downward. I just could not get it to break free despite all of my efforts. I blocked the trailer tires, and tried backing to get a bit of play in the coupler and then moving it upward. It took my wife and I many attempts at doing this to eventually get it to break, and in so doing, I actually found that I was lifting the back of my truck quite a bit before it "let go". Jumping on the bumper did no good. The dealer says the hitching is good/appropriate and it is an angle issue that I will need to figure out, but they offered little help in assisting with the matter. They told me many people deal with similar issues. I would really appreciate any suggestions that can be offered. It is such a bummer getting home with such a great trailer, and being dumbfounded as to how to disconnect! Thank you.

[EagleScout-USA]

Just wanted to offer an update on my "unhitching issue". Prior to departing for the holiday weekend, I made an appointment with my dealer to actually witness them unhook my trailer. I felt better when they were unable to do so in their flat parking lot. It was determined to be a bad/defective coupler. They plan to get my trailer in next week and bring in a local welding company to weld on a new coupler. I think that I am comfortable with this, but does anyone have any thoughts or reasons as to why I should be nervous. The company they will bring in is one of the best locally. Thanks!

[mtofell1]

Yeah they can be really difficult when new. I found choking the wheels and rocking back and forth worked best. In general mine releases best When there is a slight amount of tension between truck and tt as opposed to the tt pushing on the truck. After 10-12 uses mine got considerably easier.

[pitch]

I had trouble with mine the first several trips. Eventually it wore enough to work well. Every once in a while you are gonna get an angle that just won't work. Then you need to reposition. Keep your ball lubed!

[pappcam]

I use my free hand to rock the truck slightly while I'm raising the trailer off the hitch. It works every time.

[BenK]

Some couplers have a deeper cup portion of its dome...see picture

That designed in to hold the ball captive in the done during all maneuvers.

The latch holds the ball up in that cup portion of the dome.

Note that that portion of the dome (cup) has a lower hemisphere....meaning it has a smaller 'hole' than the balls dia

Think your ball us still in that front portion, or cup and will NOT allow the ball to drop out

Why I always block the trailer tires...unlatch...THEN BACK UP to move the ball out of the coupler dome cup...

As mentioned...maybe your latch is NOT getting out of the way...adjustment might or should get the latch out of the way

These pictures might help you see that 'cup' and how the latch Pawlenty has to get out of the way


excuse my fat finger typing n spelling...auto spell/fill on my smart phone begets wacky spelling


couplerlatch latch couplerpawl pawl dome

[bluie5]

I've found it takes some time to break in a new coupler. When I got my new trailer last year I had some problems with mine too. After a few times of hooking up and unhooking it loosened up and works without any issues now.

[mbopp]

If I can I'll remove the hitch pin from the hitch head before jacking the trailer up. It allows enough movement to jack the tongue off the ball easily.

[scrubjaysnest]

Look up at the bottom of the coupler, there is a tongue like piece that moves forward to engage the ball. Most couplers have an adjustment nut here. You can try backing off the nut an 1/8 of a turn at a time but no more then 1/2 turn and see if this helps. Use caution here as you don't want to back off the nut so much there is slop in the coupler when going down the highway.