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Old 07-06-2007, 10:54 AM   #1
valenda
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Cool Trailer Hitching Issue

I just bought a new 2720 TM. I had no problem towing with my Nissan Titan. However, after I backed the TM into my driveway I could not get it un-hitched. The problem is my driveway is on an incline, therefore there was too much pressure on the ball hitch. I chocked the wheels and tried moving the truck back and forth to releive the pressure, but still could not release the locking mechanisim. I eventually just pulled the pin at the receiver at the truck and lift and pulled away leaving the ball hitched. Any suggestions on hitching and un-hitching on an inclined (not too steep) driveway.

Thanks

Dan
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Old 07-06-2007, 11:23 AM   #2
Bill
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I went through this when my first TM was new. Can't think of much that is more frustrating. Sometimes I had to pry the coupler open with the cheater bar for my springbars - not smart, of course. I wrote to Reese (who made my hitch) and to the company that manufactures the coupler on the trailer. No joy from either one (the coupler guys didn't even respond).

I finally figured out, by trial and error, and by lying down in the driveway and looking up into the coupler to see how it works, that the problem is that the trailer has moved forward, toward the tow vehicle and toward the hitch ball. The ball puts pressure on the movable portion of the coupler (use the Search tool on "pawl"), which is at the rear of the coupler cup. With pressure on it, the movable piece won't move. So put chocks in front of the trailer wheels, and pull the tow vehicle forward until the trailer just starts to climb the chocks. This moves the ball into the front of the coupler cup, and it unlatches, every time.

For what it's worth, this same situation can also prevent the coupler from closing (and gripping the ball) properly when you are hitching up. The fix is the same - chock the trailer into position, pull the tow vehicle ahead just a smidge, and the coupler will drop right down.

Bill
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Old 07-06-2007, 12:15 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by valenda View Post
The problem is my driveway is on an incline, therefore there was too much pressure on the ball hitch. I chocked the wheels and tried moving the truck back and forth to releive the pressure, but still could not release the locking mechanisim. I eventually just pulled the pin at the receiver at the truck and lift and pulled away leaving the ball hitched. Any suggestions on hitching and un-hitching on an inclined (not too steep) driveway. Thanks Dan
It sounds like you're either not getting enough 'lift' to clear the ball mount, or the ball locking mechanism is not moving freely.

If the ball is not dropping down even now, when you're disconnected from the trailer, I'd suspect that something is not working correctly with the hitch locking mechanism. You might try lubricating the mechanism with WD 40 to see if you can loosen it up. Spray it well and let it sit for a half hour. I assume you're using the correct sized towing ball (?). Let us know the outcome of this 'predicament' - I'm quite interested in case this should happen to me!

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Old 07-06-2007, 11:12 PM   #4
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Bill is dead on with his solution. I had went through the same sequence as he did unhitching from my new TM. When I park, I chock the tires, then put a small bit of pull on the tongue. If I am on sand or level gravel, I just pull forward before unhookng. Just don't be pushing back. It won't come loose.
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Old 07-07-2007, 07:37 AM   #5
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I do basically what Bill is saying, but all I do is put the TV in neutral, release the brake and then shift to park. The TV moves just enough to allow the coupler to open easily.
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Old 07-07-2007, 01:25 PM   #6
MidwestDave
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Question Hitched

I found that a well greased ball also helps!

Midwest Dave
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Old 07-07-2007, 03:16 PM   #7
Freedom
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I actually don't like to grease the hitch ball or the bars. I prefer to use Teflon spray. It seems to hold up better and is less messy.
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Old 04-22-2009, 04:26 PM   #8
RogerR
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I don't like greasy pant legs and wonder where you get teflon spray?
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Old 04-22-2009, 04:32 PM   #9
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I got some at the local hardware store. I'm sure the big box hardware stores have them too. It's an aerosol spray.

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Old 04-23-2009, 07:52 AM   #10
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As Freedom and Shrimp Burrito pointed out, the Teflon spray is pretty good stuff. I buy it at Lowe's, where it is carried as DuPont Teflon Dry Film Lubricant, Item# 213197. I can't find it at Home Depot, which is unusual, since they largely overlap. Note that Teflon Spray is not the same as silicone spray, which seems to be available everywhere.

I use this stuff in a lot of places, especially the jackscrews on the scissors jacks. It sticks well, dries dry, and doesn't seem to pick up all the grit and sand that grease does.

So consider this one more vote in favor of having a can of it in your hitch-up kit.

Bill
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