Trailer Will Not Uncouple from Ball When Parked on an Incline

Published 09/16/2011

Question:

This is a 1995 EZ Loader made in West Coast location. When I last parked it on a slight incline, the thing locked up and I was n ot able to release the ball from the coupler. What do you suggest?

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

Usually if you can move the tow vehicle and trailer to level ground, you can uncouple. However, sometimes you have to be on less than level ground. If the coupler will not come off of the ball in this situation, you can use the trailer jack to separate the coupler from the ball.

What is happening is the pressure from being on an incline is putting enough force on the ball to make uncoupling very difficult. What you can do to help prevent this in the future is to make sure to properly lubricate the ball using White Grease Hitch Ball Lube, # 58117.

If the brakes are locked up, it would be because the incline is pushing in the coupler (if truck and trailer are facing down hill) and some pressure is being applied to the brakes. If the trailer has a manual lockout, engage it so the coupler will not send fluid back to the brakes.

If it has an electric lockout, the truck will have to be put in reverse for the lockout to engage. This can be very dangerous since the truck will be in gear and it is not recommended when uncoupling a trailer.

expert reply by: Michael H