How to detach hitch

[David95966]

I purchased my first airstream this week. Also first time towing a vehicle. I can't remove the hitch from the ball. I pulled what appears to be a locking mechanism as much as I could. I'm on fairly level ground. When I jack up the airstream, the back of my truck raises too.

What are the dos and donts that I should follow?

What other facts are needed? Photos?

[m.hony]

The coupler latch slides forward a bit then up. You may have to jack slightly to get pressure off the ball before

The coupler latch slides forward toward the truck 1/4-1/2", then straight up.
There may be a pin through the hole which will have to be removed before the latch will move. You may have to jack up slightly to get pressure/weight off before you can release the coupler.
When hitching up you will know it is latched because the holes for the pin will line up. When it is light I will take pictures and post.

[David95966]

Here are some photos. Am I not level enough? Is the jack in the wrong place? What else do I need to know.

Not planning on driving this around. Just using it as an extra room.

[Pahaska]

Some coupler cups are kind of dished out on the front. When you jack up the trailer, the ball is trapped by the cup and doesn't drop out On my trailer, I found that if I left the truck free to move a bit, it would disconnect easily. I leave the brake off on the truck and even put it in neutral, depending on the slope. Or back up a tad after blocking the trailer wheels.

[RickDavis]

jumping on the back bumper is usually enough to kick it loose

[Lumatic]

If the coupler is the original Marvel coupler it is 41 years old. If it has not been used much recently it may be dried out or rusty. Soak the coupler with a good WD 40 spray and try the mechanism a couple of times

[David95966]

I got it off. Moved the car an inch. Thanks for the replies. Renews some of my lost faith in humanity.

[JFScheck]

Try it a few times and grease up that ball while lubeing that coupler!

[NevadaGeo]

Originally Posted by David95966

I got it off. Moved the car an inch. Thanks for the replies. Renews some of my lost faith in humanity.

I was going to guess same thing, your tow vehicle was still pulling on it. Always be very careful around that hitch when you are unhooking, it can fall or jump when you aren't expecting and you or someone else gets hurt. Saw that happen just recently with an experienced camper, the tow vehicle was still pulling or pushing on the trailer, the trailer fell and broke the block under the jack. Lucky no one was in the way.