Trailer Coupler Lever Will Not Release and the Ball is Stuck in the Coupler  

Question:

Expert Reply:

First we need to figure out why the ball is stuck in the coupler. If the coupler was damaged the ball could get stuck inside. If there is a lot of corrosion inside the coupler and/or on the ball then it might be seized in there. Or it could be under tension which would make the ball difficult to get unstuck.

The first thing I would try is to move the trailer ever so slightly forward or backward to release the tension. You can also try using the trailer jack to raise the trailer up and pull the coupler off of the ball.

If it continues to give you a hard time then make sure the trailer is supported, remove the hitch pin from the ball mount and move the truck forward some. It might make it easier to work with the truck out of the way.

A coworker said he has had to use a screwdriver and a hammer to knock the wedge backwards/up while someone held the lever in the open position or while they also pulled on the lever.

Once you have freed the ball from the coupler you can use some ball grease, # 58117, to lubricate the ball so that it couples and uncouples easier in the future.

expert reply by: Michael H

0