Trouble Disconnecting a Trailer Coupler from a Hitch Ball

Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 10/30/2024

Question:

My couple is very hard to Disengage how can I alleviate this problem

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

Hey Dan! We run into this problem frequently. The first thing I recommend doing is to make sure you jack your trailer as far up as possible when you're unhooking from your tow vehicle. Like to the point you lift your ball mount a bit. This will take all the weight off of the latch mechanism.

Secondly, go ahead and use some WD-40 and just soak your coupler over and over again when it's disconnected and make sure you get into every corner and crevasse. This will clean out any gunk and debris. Afterwards wipe out the mechanism and the inside of the coupler to ensure any and all debris have been cleared out.

Finally, you'll want to cover your hitch ball and the inside of the coupler with the White Grease Hitch Ball Lube item # 58117.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Jerred H.

12/22/2025

Hey Dan, how did things go after cleaning and greasing your trailer coupler? Did the latch start releasing more easily once you used the WD-40 and hitch ball lube? Your results could really help others dealing with a sticky coupler.