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Old 08-26-2016, 07:54 AM   #1
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Can't get the trailer unhitched

Got my camper home safely last night after delivery but cannot get it unhitched from the TV. The coupler on the trailer hitch refuses to release from the ball. When I raise the coupler latch locking lever, looking underneath I don't see it release the ball like I would expect. Any thoughts while I wait on ETI to open?
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Old 08-26-2016, 07:57 AM   #2
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I've had that happen several times with the Scamp. Either moving forward or back a hair would allow the coupler to release. Occasionally letting off the parking brake in the tug was enough.
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Old 08-26-2016, 08:10 AM   #3
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I've tried that a few times with no luck. Maybe I'm expecting to see something that I'm not supposed to, but when I pull the release lever and look underneath the coupler, I don't see releasing action of any sort
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Old 08-26-2016, 08:12 AM   #4
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"Ditto" what Donna said. Also, parking tow vehicle and camper at an angle to each other hinders unhitching. Try pulling forward getting camper and vehicle in straight line. Once you get it unhooked, try spraying silicone spray on ball and underneath coupler. Makes for much easier unhooking next time. If you can't get it off, let me know.
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Old 08-26-2016, 08:21 AM   #5
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You also might try standing on the bumper or stinger and putting your weight on it (jumping type motion). I need to do this on occasion.
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Old 08-26-2016, 08:23 AM   #6
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Yep, it's probably bound up due to tension on the receiver. A slight movement of the tow vehicle will usually free it up. Ours was very stiff when it was new. Some PTFE spray helped. But, sometimes I have to stand on the bumper and do a little bounce to free it.

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Old 08-26-2016, 08:38 AM   #7
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I verified that it is level side to side, and TV and camper are aligned. Let me try jumping on things and see what happens
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Old 08-26-2016, 08:48 AM   #8
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I verified that it is level side to side, and TV and camper are aligned. Let me try jumping on things and see what happens
Just make sure you're chocked up well. Sometimes it releases with quite a thud, but as long as you're chocked, the trailer's not going anywhere.

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Old 08-26-2016, 08:55 AM   #9
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Either of these two tools have always worked for me. Never leave home without them.
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Old 08-26-2016, 08:56 AM   #10
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I figured it out, just a rookie error. Not only do you have to lift the lever, but just as importantly, lift that little boot. Thanks everyone
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Old 08-26-2016, 09:02 AM   #11
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Greg, we were all rookies, at one time or another. Live and learn. That's what it's all about. Glad you got it unhitched. Are y'all going to Henry Horton for the wkend?
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Old 08-26-2016, 09:22 AM   #12
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Brenda, yep we will be there tomorrow
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Old 08-26-2016, 09:26 AM   #13
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I always carried some tools like Myron in case that boot needed a little help lifting up on the coupler latch.
Bryan's tip on the chocks is critical too. Don't ask me how I know that.
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Old 08-26-2016, 09:41 AM   #14
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Chocking wheels is important but even with very good rubber ones I had the trailer slip somewhat sideways after unhooking. Was using some lego-style plastic blocks under the tongue jack which are slippery. After that unless it is on a flat paved surface I always also use the BAL X Chocks too and tighten them good. If the tongue jack needs some extra lift I will only use a single piece of wood or a flat rock. Since we like unimproved campsites best which are often a little cattywampus it gives us piece of mind.
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Old 08-26-2016, 09:42 AM   #15
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Once the trailer is chocked, I release the lever and boot before I put any pressure on the jack, which allows them to release without forcing. As others have mentioned, sometimes I have to bounce on the truck to get the ball to release.
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Old 08-26-2016, 09:51 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossue View Post
Chocking wheels is important but even with very good rubber ones I had the trailer slip somewhat sideways after unhooking. Was using some lego-style plastic blocks under the tongue jack which are slippery. After that unless it is on a flat paved surface I always also use the BAL X Chocks too and tighten them good. If the tongue jack needs some extra lift I will only use a single piece of wood or a flat rock. Since we like unimproved campsites best which are often a little cattywampus it gives us piece of mind.
Ditto on the X-chocks. We love them.



Quote:
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Once the trailer is chocked, I release the lever and boot before I put any pressure on the jack, which allows them to release without forcing. As others have mentioned, sometimes I have to bounce on the truck to get the ball to release.
Yes, the latch and boot should be up before you try to unhook. Still have to "bounce" it sometimes.

What REALLY helped me was to give the latch and boot a good shot of PTFE spray every so often. Works like butter.



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Old 08-26-2016, 10:00 AM   #17
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What REALLY helped me was to give the latch and boot a good shot of PTFE spray every so often. Works like butter.
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Old 08-26-2016, 10:12 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GregandTeresa View Post
I figured it out, just a rookie error. Not only do you have to lift the lever, but just as importantly, lift that little boot. Thanks everyone
What is the boot you're talking about here?
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Old 08-26-2016, 10:15 AM   #19
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It's the yoke.
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Old 08-26-2016, 10:16 AM   #20
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What is the boot you're talking about here?
The front strap of metal that's hinged on the sides of the receiver.

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