How to Safely Uncouple a Trailer on an Incline

Updated 06/17/2013 | Published 06/14/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator - Drum - Multi-Fit Ball - Bolt On - 7,000 lbs

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$327.33

Buyers Products 5" Wheel Chock - Black Rubber - Qty 1

(55)

$21.32

White Grease Hitch Ball Lube

(221)

$12.13

Curt Wheel Chock Set - Qty 2

(95)

$20.98

Question:

Hello, I read the article of Trailer Will Not Uncouple from Ball When Parked on an Incline. I have a question here, if trailer is uncoupled from hitch ball on an incline, the trailer will back down on the incline, right? Does trailer have a brake itself? Thanks,

asked by: Soren W

Expert Reply:

Whenever a tow vehicle and trailer are on an incline there will be pressure applied to the hitch ball and coupler. This will make it difficult to uncouple the trailer from the hitch ball. A trailer jack and/or hitch ball lubricant such as # 58117 can sometimes help.

The tow vehicle and trailer should always be on a level surface when coupling or uncoupling, and wheel chocks should always be used to ensure the safety of those around the trailer and the trailer itself. We offer a number of wheel chock products including the Buyers Products # 337WC1467A. We also offer a set of wheel chocks from Curt, part # C22800.

Some trailers do have brakes. Typically if your trailer uses a flat 4-pole or flat 5-pole electrical connector then it does not have electric brakes.

It could have electric brakes if it uses the common 7-way trailer connector, shown in the attached photo. Or if the trailer uses a hydraulic surge coupler such as the part you referenced, Titan coupler part # T43397007K, then the trailer could have hydraulic drum brakes. In either case the trailer brakes will not be engaged when uncoupling from the tow vehicle and so wheel chocks and level ground are always required for safe coupling and uncoupling.