Hitch Problem

[Airabel]

We have a 2017 16' Sport and it's becoming more and more difficult the get the hitch ball to come out of the coupler once it's unlatched. The hitch is an Equalizer load distribution and even with the tounge jack jacking up the TV the ball will not come out easily. Took half an hour of rocking back and forth to get the ball to drop.
Any suggestions?

[DAVSCH]

Originally Posted by Airabel

We have a 2017 16' Sport and it's becoming more and more difficult the get the hitch ball to come out of the coupler once it's unlatched. The hitch is an Equalizer load distribution and even with the tounge jack jacking up the TV the ball will not come out easily. Took half an hour of rocking back and forth to get the ball to drop.
Any suggestions?

Is the pocket the ball rides in lubricated? I ended up lubricating everything in that area and working the latching mechanism until it all operated smooth as silk. Before that it was rust-crusty sticky.

[Airabel]

I've been discussing the issue with etrailer and I think the problem is the where the trailer is parked. Trailer is on a 6% slope while TV is on little more of a slope. I thought I had everything greased well enough but will add more next time out. And I'll make sure the TV is pulled forward as much as possible to center the ball on the coupler.
Thanks

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by Airabel

center the ball on the coupler.
Thanks

As you posted, center the ball and just add a little grease regularly and that should be all it takes.

If you can get your hands on a spare ball and insert it with the coupler open and centered it falls right out, now push ball forward or backwards into the coupler, ball has to move back to center then it drops out.

A TV with an automatic transmission frequently moves front to back after you put it in park and release the brake if it's on any slope. Trailer is chocked and there you have it, a load is on the ball as you have figured out.

[Ray Eklund]

Park the tow vehicle and trailer in a flat area. If the ball can be removed from the hitch easily, you just solved your problem. It is your parking spot at home and the steep angle.

Once it is detached, you had better be prepared for the trailer to want to roll down hill. You will need more than chocks if the trailer decides to go someone on its own.

Grease the ball and socket. It works on a human's hip, it works just as well on an artificial hip with nylon and steel.

If everything else fails, Post #4 should resolve most other issues.

[Rich W]

If there is any tension between the coupler and the ball, it won't couple or uncouple. On mine, if I raise the AS and the ball doesn't release, I drop it back down and try putting the TV in Drive or Reverse, then setting the parking brake to keep it from rolling. Make sure the AS wheels are securely chocked to prevent it from rolling, even a little. You want zero tension between the coupler and ball.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Airabel

We have a 2017 16' Sport and it's becoming more and more difficult the get the hitch ball to come out of the coupler once it's unlatched. The hitch is an Equalizer load distribution and even with the tounge jack jacking up the TV the ball will not come out easily. Took half an hour of rocking back and forth to get the ball to drop.
Any suggestions?

Yes.
I put on a show for other campers on what doesn't work. Swearing, rocking the bumper, standing on the bars, lifting the jack, even pulling the hitch pin and leaving the truck in neutral.
What does work is to get a tube of 'white lithium grease' when it's apart, and before every trip put a dab on the hitch ball. (I didn't like the spray kind.)
Now it comes out like butter.
Also buy a hitch ball cover and keep it on so everything doesn't get grease on it, like your pant legs, gloves, tools.

[Acheron2010]

It is also prudent, even after chocking tires, to keep the safety chains on while uncoupling. Just in case the trailer wants to take a ride by itself.

[Bobbo]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Yes.
I put on a show for other campers on what doesn't work. Swearing, rocking the bumper, standing on the bars, lifting the jack, even pulling the hitch pin and leaving the truck in neutral.
What does work is to get a tube of 'white lithium grease' when it's apart, and before every trip put a dab on the hitch ball. (I didn't like the spray kind.)
Now it comes out like butter.
Also buy a hitch ball cover and keep it on so everything doesn't get grease on it, like your pant legs, gloves, tools.

Or Reese Hitch Ball Lube

[Overstreet]

I am not familiar with the hitch on a 16' airstream. I am more familiar with the hitch on my boat trailers of that size. If this is a new problem. Check the latch paw that closes on the ball when the latch is closed. If like the boats there is a spring and nut that is too tight.

[Airabel]

As an update, greased the hell out of the ball and coupler. Then went on a week long trip. Got back home and disconnected without issues. Thanks for the advice everyone.