Difficulty Disconnecting Coupler From Hitch Ball
Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 10/24/2024
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
After having my travel trailer hitched. I have a very difficult time getting the trailer to disconnect from the ball. I’ve lubed the ball and the hitch. Still same issue. It is the correct ball for the hitch and I see no damage to either part. Could it be some misalignment in the hitch ?
asked by: Joseph B
Expert Reply:
Hi Joseph; some couplers can be pretty finicky and difficult to disconnect. Something could be misaligned in the coupler, that is always possible. It could also be the forward pressure from the tow vehicle making it difficult to disconnect. If you're raising up the trailer jack and it catches you might need to pull up an inch to change the angle and get it to release. Sometimes jumping on the bumper works or you can shake the trailer if it is a smaller one.
Depending on the latch mechanism it could also be that you aren't getting it in the right spot and it is still catching on the ball. Sometimes you have to play around with it and try a few times to get it just right and unhook. That is why I prefer Demco couplers with the eZ latch like # DM15000-52 or # DM14793-81. The design of this latch makes hooking up and disconnecting a lot easier so you may want to consider swapping yours out to remove some of that frustration.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler - eZ-Latch - Silver - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 10,000 lbs
- Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler
- Standard Coupler
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- Bolt-On
- 10000 lbs GTW
- 3 Inch Channel
- Auto Latch
- 4-Bolt
- Marine Grade
- Demco
more information >
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Robin H.
12/22/2025
Hey Joseph, how did things go after trying to release the trailer by adjusting the angle or easing the forward pressure? Your update could make it easier for others who run into the same issue with a stubborn coupler.