Trailer Stuck to Truck and Jack Wont Crank

Published 11/04/2015

Question:

Hi, I have 2 issues with my new trailer: first the trailer is stuck on the hitch ball and wont come off. Its a new hitch and hasnt been greased. I have tried driving forward with the truck and it still wont release. Second, I cranked the jack all the way up in attempt to release the trailer and now the jack will not spin. Any ideas on how to fix something like this?

asked by: Rachel

Expert Reply:

Usually, the jaw on the underside of a trailer coupler can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the nut on the underside of the jaw. If you loosen the jaw slightly, you should be able to get the coupler to come off the trailer ball. Once you get the coupler off the ball, lubricate it to make sure the latching mechanism operates smoothly. I like using the spray lithium grease.

You'll want to make sure that you're using the correct size trailer ball for the coupler you're using. The coupler should have the necessary trailer ball size stamped on it.

If the jack won't spin after you have the trailer removed from the ball, it's probably been hyper-extended which has likely damaged the internal screw. Replacement parts might be available depending on the manufacturer of the jack.

expert reply by: Mike L