How to Unhook a Trailer Hitch: A Step by Step Guide

How to Unhook a Trailer Hitch

When you unhook the trailer, it means that you are disconnecting it from the hitch. This is usually done when you are finished using it for the day or when you are going to be storing it for a period of time. It is important to properly unhook the trailer so that it does not become damaged while in storage.

However, with a few simple steps, you’ll be able to unhitch your trailer in no time. Here’s what you need to do: First, park your vehicle in a safe location and set the parking brake. Next, locate the release lever on the hitch and depress it. This will allow the ball mount to be lowered. Then, disconnect the safety chains from the tow vehicle and let them hang freely. Finally, unscrew the coupler from the ball mount and remove it from the hitch receiver.

  • Park your vehicle in a safe place where there’s plenty of room to work. If possible, put the vehicle in park on level ground.
  • Make sure all the lights on your trailer are turned off.
  • Place a jack under the trailer tongue and raise it until the weight of the trailer is off of the hitch ball.
  • Disconnect the safety chains from the trailer hitch using pliers or an open-end wrench.
  • Unscrew the coupler nut from the ball using a wrench (lefty loosey, righty tighty). You may need to use some muscle power here – it can be pretty tight!
  • Once the coupler nut is loose, lift up on the coupler lever to release it from the ball and then pull the entire assembly away from the vehicle.

How to Unhitch a Utility Trailer

Assuming you are talking about a trailer hitch on a vehicle: Most vehicles these days come equipped with a trailer hitch. This is a great feature that allows you to tow a variety of things behind your car or truck, including trailers, RVs, and more. However, there may come a time when you need to unhitch your utility trailer from your vehicle. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do just that:

1. Park your vehicle in a safe location where you have plenty of room to work. Make sure the area is level so that the trailer does not tip over while you are working on it.

2. Locate the release lever for the trailer hitch on your vehicle. This is usually located near the hitch itself or in the trunk/cargo area of the vehicle. 3. Disengage the safety latch (if there is one) that is holding the release lever in place. This will allow you to move the lever and release the trailer hitch from its locked position.

How to Unhitch a Car Trailer

If you’ve ever had to unhitch a car trailer, you know it can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some tips to make the process a little easier.

First, make sure the area around the trailer is clear. You don’t want anyone or anything getting in the way while you’re trying to disconnect the trailer.

Next, put your car in park and set the parking brake. This will help prevent the trailer from moving while you’re working on it. Now it’s time to start disconnecting the trailer from your car. Begin by removing any safety chains that are connecting the two. Once those are off, you can move on to disconnecting the electrical connection between your car and the trailer lights. After that, you should be able to release the coupler that’s holding the two together. Depending on what kind of coupler you have, this may require depressing a lever or releasing a pin.

Once that’s done, slowly back your car away from the trailer until it’s completely disconnected. And there you have it! With these tips, unhitching a car trailer should be a breeze.

How to Unhitch a Dump Trailer

If you need to unhitch your dump trailer, there are a few things you need to do.

First, lower the jack on the front of the trailer. Then, disconnect the safety chains from the tow vehicle. Finally, disconnect the electrical connector from the tow vehicle.

How to Unhitch a Travel Trailer With Sway Bars

If you have a travel trailer with sway bars, you know how important they are for keeping your trailer stable on the road. But what do you do when it’s time to unhitch your trailer?

Here’s a step-by-step guide for safely removing your travel trailer from its hitch with sway bars attached: 1. Park your tow vehicle on level ground and set the parking brake.

2. Unhook the safety chains from the tow vehicle and let them hang freely.

3. Raise the tongue of the trailer off the ground using the jack or leveling system (if equipped). 4. Remove the pin or locking mechanism that secures the ball mount to the hitch receiver.

5. Carefully back away from the trailer, being careful not to damage any of the electrical or plumbing connections. If possible, have someone guide you as you back up to avoid any accidents. 6. Once you’re clear of the trailer, lower the tongue back down to rest on its jack or leveling system (if equipped).

Frequently Asked Question’s

Why won’t my trailer hitch release.

If you’re having trouble releasing your trailer hitch, there are a few things you can check.

First, make sure that the locking pin is completely disengaged. If it’s not, you won’t be able to release the hitch. Next, check the latch mechanism to see if it’s damaged or stuck. If it is, you may need to replace it. Finally, make sure that the safety chain is not blocking the release lever.

If it is, disconnecting the chain should allow you to release the hitch.

How Do You Unhook the Tow Ball?

Assuming you want to know how to unhook a tow ball from a trailer:

First, put your vehicle in park and set the parking brake. Then, open the trailer’s coupler latch and release any tension on the coupler by lowering the trailer jack. Next, disconnect any safety chains or cables that are holding the trailer to your vehicle. Finally, unscrew the retaining nut clockwise with a wrench and pull the tow ball straight out.

Can You Remove a Hitch Once Installed?

Yes, you can remove a hitch once it is installed. However, it is important to note that the process of removing a hitch can be different than the process of installing one.

In general, removal involves undoing the bolts or pins that hold the hitch in place. Once the bolts or pins are removed, the hitch can then be lifted off of the vehicle.

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how to unhook travel trailer from hitch

Step-by-Step Guide to Unhitching a Travel Trailer

Last week, I wrote about setting up at a new campsite . My original plan included the step-by-step pictorial but it became so lengthy, I decided it was best to break it into two posts. So here is the second one, the guide to unhitching a travel trailer.

While this is specific to travel trailers, perhaps it will have value to those who drive a motorized rig.

Before we start, I have to admit to one thing. I didn’t plan far enough in advance to take photos during an actual unhitching. You know from last week’s post, I really don’t like hitching and unhitching. So some of these pictures are not perfect because, while I debated hitching up my trailer to the van just so I’d have good photos of unhitching it again, in the end I just couldn’t do it.

Unhitching a Travel Trailer

RV panel for rear camera, small black button.

Based on last week’s post, let’s say you’ve checked in at the new location, gotten yourself into the site and gotten the trailer as level as possible without lowing the jacks, whether that meant driving on blocks or not. Following are the remaining steps:

Step 1: Unlock the trailer’s door and put down the steps . I step inside the trailer to look around, to see if anything traumatic happened en route such as drawers coming open, things falling, etc. I also turn off the trailer’s back up camera.

Step 2: Get out the blocks or pads to put under the jacks . This is just the prep work. Don’t lower the jacks yet.

Step 3: Put chocks under tires . It’s important to do this step before you detach the tow vehicle because when it detaches, the trailer can roll a bit. The chocks will prevent this. 

Close up of a tire with red chocks on both sides.

Let’s Pause Here

I’m not sure if its an urban myth (because it sure sounds like one) but have you heard the term “hitchhiking?” And not the kind where you stick our your thumb in hopes of a ride.

Hitchhiking is where a nasty person releases the thing from the hitch that holds the ball tight when you are in a restaurant or paying for gas. You don’t notice it. Drive away. Then, when you hit a bump, the hitch bounces up off the ball. The tow vehicle and trailer separate.

Like I said, I don’t know if it’s a thing or not. But I sure as heck don’t want to learn that lesson the hard way. Therefore, I employ a couple of deterrent devices while I’m traveling.

Back to the Steps

Step 4: Unlock and remove anti-theft device(s) (if you use). My main locked is called “The Collar” which is a trailer hitch lock specifically for bulldog-style couplers. You have to use your own padlock for it. Mine is called a discus padlock .

how to unhook travel trailer from hitch

Step 5: Put down the front jack to lift the tongue, making sure the jack ram comes down in the center of the blocks.

In my case, I raise the jack fairly high as it loosens the chains of the weight distribution hitch (often referred to as an anti-sway hitch). I don’t know if this technique works for every weight distribution and anti-sway device since most of those are bars, not chains.

Step 6: Detach the weight distribution hitch which, even with the tongue up and the chains loose, takes a rubber mallet for me to pound out the pin and get it detached.

Silver triangle metal plate, attached to chains at the bottom. Sitting in the dirt.

Step 7: Bring the tongue back to level, then keep going until the jack isn’t touching the pad. You don’t have to retract it all the way, just make sure the weight is off the jack and back on the tow vehicle. Then pull up the black T handle of the bulldog hitch. You are unhinging the ball-gripper part, making the hitch let go of the tow vehicle’s ball.

Close up of a locked bulldog hitch (black) with a silver locked cotter pin.

Step 8: Detach the safety cable (or chains), the emergency break-away brake cable and the brake controller cable from the van.

how to unhook travel trailer from hitch

I put a plastic bag over the head of the brake controller. It’s lubricated and, if it rains while you are parked on dirt or sand, the debris bounces up into it. Learned that one the hard way. If it rains, be sure to check the bag, you might have to empty it of water. Be sure if doesn’t reach the bottom of the bag because if water gets in, you don’t want it submerged.

Black cord with a plastic bag over the end.

Step 9: Lower the jack again to shift the weight of the trailer back onto the trailer and off the tow vehicle. Continue to lower the jack (raising the trailer) until is clears the ball. Don’t rush. Go slow because if you are at an odd angle or on an incline, separating the two can seem kind of violent. And scary with things rocking and rolling. Going slow won’t stop this but it gives you time to ready your mind for it.

Step 10: Jump in the tow vehicle and move ahead a few inches to clear the trailer’s hitch . While I’m in the tow vehicle, I unplug the trailer’s backup camera monitor (which should have a blank screen if you turned off the backup camera in the trailer) from the 12 volt (cigarette lighter).

Not doing so—yep, yet another one I learned the hard way—can lead to a dead car battery. And, sometimes slow to catch on, I killed my battery three or four times before I finally figured out the cause of the battery drain.

Black canvas bag over the electric jack at the front of a travel trailer.

Step 11: Back at the front jack, lower the trailer’s tongue to level . Next, lower the stabilizing jacks. Before they are all the way down, check to make sure they will hit in the center of the blocks you set out to ensure evenly distributed weight.

Step 12: Level the trailer front to back and side to side. In the jacks maintenance post , I talked about my process for getting level and the tools I use.

Step 13: Place the protective cover over the jack stand .

how to unhook travel trailer from hitch

Step 14: Hook up to power, water and sewer . If you have a black tank, wear protective gloves. For information and an important tool when hooking up to water, here’s a post on the water pressure regulator .

One note about hooking up to power. If I arrived at a location with a high temperature, I hook up to power first and turn on the air conditioner so the trailer cools.

Step 15: Wrap the chains and cords around the tongue so they don’t sit on the ground.

Travel trailers tongue with chains and cords wrapped around.

Step 16: Place the anti-theft device on to the trailer’s hitch , if you use one. A reason to consider using one is to prevent a nasty person from pulling up a tow vehicle while you are away having fun adventures in your new location and leaving with your trailer.

how to unhook travel trailer from hitch

Even though I’ve talk about trailer security in this post, at some point I may to a more in-depth post on the subject and explain why it’s important that you don’t go cheap on your anti-theft devices. Hint: do a YouTube search and see how easy they are to break into, no matter what a manufacturer says about their products.

Would love some feedback as to whether you’d be interested in a more in-depth trailer security post.

Step 17: Go inside the trailer and test everything . If the microwave is on, I know I’m hooked up to power. Open the water in the kitchen or bathroom to test the water connection.

Power post with B$ on it and a water  spigot.

Success. You have finished unhitching the travel trailer. Do a little happy dance if you want. I always do.

Last Step of Unhitching a Travel Trailer

Then, as I said last week, enjoy the business of settling into a new location. That’s the best part of unhitching…completion.

Next week, we’ll move on to reversing everything we’ve done in the last two posts. Hitching and leaving a location.

Links to Referenced SSL Blog Posts Above:

  • RV Checklist for Setting Up at a New Location
  • Jacks Maintenance for Your RV
  • How to Install a Water Pressure Regulator

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Debbie LaFleiche

Content Creator. Pet Parent. Adventurer. Experience Seeker. Still cannot back up the trailer. See full biography in About Debbie, Solstice and Kitty in Connect Category.

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A Visit to the Mother Nest for Oliver Maintenance

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Debbie, how long does it take you to do all of this? Does it get faster with practice? Thanks.

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Nan, unhitching is definitely faster for me than hitching (you’ll read about that one next week). I would say about an hour or less to do everything from the moment I pull into the site (and I’m not counting the amount of time it can take me to back into the site!) until I”m done, including moving everything from the van to the trailer (pets, bags, notebooks for traveling) and setting up the outside stuff like covering the wheels, putting out the camp mat, chairs, etc. It got easier and faster for me because when I got more confident and I didn’t have to stop to do mental double-checks, triple-checks as much. I could just get the job done.

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I just read the “hitchhiking” story to Toby and Kris. Kris told a story about a rancher who spent the night in a hotel and when he came out in the morning, his horse trailer was gone. Too bad he didn’t have a lock like you. Have a great week. Love, Marie

That’s crazy. I know of one RVer who had someone protections on her very small Ta@b trailer. And when she was in a restaurant, the entire thing was a detached from her tow vehicle and stolen. Determined people will always find a way, but in my mind by having anti-theft devices on, I at least increase my chances they’ll pass my rig.

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How To Hook Up a Weight Distribution Hitch

how to unhook travel trailer from hitch

A weight distribution hitch is a hitch that connects your tow vehicle to your trailer and more evenly distributes the load across all axles. It disperses the weight across the entire tow vehicle and towable RV setup, making your trailer more easily towable, reducing trailer sway , and other issues that may arise from an imbalance load. 

When you hook up your travel trailer or motorhome without a weight distribution hitch, there can be too much weight on the hitch itself which will lead to instability. The same can be said for too much weight on the trailer itself. With too much weight too far back, you’re much more likely to experience trailer sway or fishtailing.

The weight distribution hitch still uses a standard ball hitch, so it’s used with travel trailers and other small towable RVs. It’s an altogether different setup from a fifth-wheel and helps bring stability to the standard towable options. 

How Do You Hook Up a Weight Distribution Hitch?

How Do You Hook Up a Weight Distribution Hitch

When you purchased your RV, you most likely had the dealership install it on your vehicle. If you didn’t, go back to your local Camping World and have it installed. The initial setup of the hitch is best performed by a specialist. 

With the hitch installed, it’s time to discuss the process of actually hitching up your RV with a weight distribution hitch. Let’s dive in. 

Read the Instructions

I can’t stress this enough. Read the instructions. Even if you’re reasonably mechanically inclined, the instructions for your hitch will be helpful. Don’t skip this step. You’ll need to read the instructions to know how to adjust your hitch so that it will work with both your RV and your tow vehicle. 

Steps in the Process

  • Park your RV in a level position with the wheels chocked. 
  • Distribute the weight evenly inside your RV.
  • Set your parking brake on your tow vehicle.
  • Measure the height of your RV from the ground to the bottom of the body of the RV. Do this at the front and rear of the RV. 
  • Measure the height of your tow vehicle from the ground up through the axle to the top of the wheel well (see the video for clarification). Do all four wheels. 
  • Inspect your hitch bar and ball mount assembly. 
  • Insert the shank into the rear receiver tube on your tow vehicle. 
  • Insert the hitch pin and secure it with the clip. 
  • Grease the hitch ball. 
  • Raise the tongue of the trailer higher than the hitch ball. 
  • Release the parking brake and back the tow vehicle up so that the hitch ball is directly under the coupler. Set the parking brake again. 
  • Lower the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball. Latch the coupler and insert the latch pin. 
  • Raise the trailer tongue and rear of the tow vehicle to remove weight from the hitch.
  • Inspect the spring bars, lift chain links, and snap-up brackets. 
  • Grease the spring bar attachment points. 
  • Insert the spring bar into the hitch head assembly. Put the bottom knob in and rotate it into place so the top knob moves into place. Then swing the spring bars into a position parallel with the frame. 
  • Position the snap-up bracket yolk parallel to the ground. Slip the yolk chainlink over the hook and make sure the lift chain is not twisted. (There should be a minimum of five chain links between the hook and the spring bar.) Secure the yolk with a locking container pin. 
  • Do the last three steps again on the other side. 
  • Lower the trailer tongue so the weight rests on the hitch. 
  • Hook up your safety chains by crisscrossing them under the coupler. 
  • Connect the breakaway electrical cable to your tow vehicle and check the trailer’s lights. 
  • Do a final check of all hitch pins, brackets, chains, etc. 
  • Double-check the jacks and stabilizers are up, and then remove the wheel chocks.

You did it! To ensure you completed the process properly, you should remeasure the trailer and tow vehicle at the exact same points you did in steps 4 and 5. These measurements will be different than when you first started. You’ll need to determine the difference between those numbers and then refer to the weight distribution hitches manual to ensure you’re within the recommended specifications. 

If you’re not within the recommended specifications, then you should either head to your local Camping World or Good Sam members can reach out to the Elite Service Tech Advisor line for help. 

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My spring bar on the driver’s side comes out of the hitch insertion cup when the chain is hooked up to the RV tongue. We learned the hard way, that when we travel the bar drops down onto the road and drags on the pavement. We stopped that from happening by tying a rope around the spring bar and the RV tongue. What needs to be done to stop this from happening?

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Hey Gary, sounds like an issue with the hitch adjustment or possibly the hitch itself. If you have time, it could be worth it to take it into a service center to have it checked out.

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How to Unhitch a Sticky Trailer Hitch from the Reciever

How to Unstuck a Travel Trailer Hitch

How to unstick a stubborn Travel Trailer Hitch

Sticky trailer hitches are a common problem, whether you’re new to the world of travel trailers or have been using them for years. Because of their strength and dependability, we all know and love our hitches, but it can be aggravating when they refuse to detach from your trailer. You can loosen up your hitch and make the disconnect easier by doing a few simple things.

Release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins to disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch. To loosen the hitch, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth. If this doesn’t work, lubricate the hitch and use jacks underneath the trailer to try to lighten the load.

This method should work in the majority of cases! We’ll go over some more specifics about how to deal with stuck hitches later in this post, as well as some good trailer lubricants and other tips and tricks to make the process go more smoothly.

Travel Trailer Upgrades

Table of Contents

The Unhitching Process in Its Most Basic Form:

We’ve already covered the basics of how to unhitch your travel trailer, but let’s dig a little deeper now.

First and foremost, you must park your tow vehicle and trailer in a suitable, level location. Make sure you have enough space for your car to exit once you’ve been disconnected. Park your car and get out so you can secure your travel trailer’s wheels with wheel chocks.

These wheel chocks are a must-have, especially if your trailer has a tendency to stick to the hitch. While you’re disconnecting the hitch, they make sure your trailer doesn’t slide or shift out of place.

You’ll want to go to the hitch itself and disconnect any safety chains or weight distribution bars that are attached once everything is stable and level. After loosening everything except the hitch, go to the hitch and unlock the lock that connects the trailer tongue to the ball hitch. You should also remove any safety locks or pins if there are any.

You’ll want to extend the trailer jack on the tongue of your trailer at this point. After you’ve made sure it’s firmly planted on the ground, you can raise the trailer’s tongue. Electric jacks are ideal for this because all you have to do is sit back and wait for them to do all the work!

You can turn off your jack once the trailer has been raised far enough to remove the weight from the ball hitch.

You’ll want to get back in your tow vehicle now that everything is loose and your trailer is secured with wheel chocks. It’s best if you have someone spot you for the next part, but it’s technically possible to do it on your own.

The next step in unhitching your trailer is to slowly back and forth in your tow vehicle. You don’t want to go too far in either direction because both vehicles could be damaged. Try to make small steps at a time.

The hitch should usually disconnect from the trailer at this point, allowing you to drive away. If you have a stuck hitch, however, you may need to get out of your car and adjust the jacks a few more times.

Additional jacks can be placed around the trailer to assist in removing the load from the hitch. These make it easier to slide over the ball hitch and disconnect without causing any damage. Applying lubricant to the hitch and tongue should give it the final push it needs if it still won’t come loose.

In general, if you need to disconnect your trailer from your tow vehicle, this method will work well.

Check out the video below for a visual representation of this process. It’s a great demonstration of how to detach hitches from trailers smoothly and easily. If you’re interested in learning more, take a look at it!

Disconnecting the Hitch from the Receiver:

Another common issue with travel trailer ball hitches is their connection to the hitch receiver in their respective tow vehicles.

You’ll still have your ball hitch attached to the back of your car once you’re free of your travel trailer. For some people, this isn’t an issue, but for others, dealing with the extra protrusion on the back can be aggravating.

So, if you want to remove your ball hitch from your car’s receiver, you can do that as well!

First and foremost, remove anything that could add weight to the ball hitch. Obviously, this includes any hitch-mounted trailers, boats, or bike racks.

Remove the pins and safety rods that hold the hitch in place in the receiver. If these are still in place, you won’t be able to move it!

If you’re worried about the hitch sticking or being too tight, you can use WD-40 to lubricate the hitch and receiver. If you do this, make sure you put a lot of effort into it. To ensure that the hitch isn’t too difficult to remove, make sure it’s completely submerged.

Now it’s time to have some fun. Choose a location with plenty of open space in front of your vehicle and some sturdy objects nearby.

Back up your car and park it next to a sturdy, upright object. Many people prefer to walk through fields or lawns dotted with sturdy trees. We’ll assume that you’re also using a tree for the purposes of this article.

Locate a long length of strong metal chain and park your tow vehicle there. To begin, wrap the chain around the base of the tree trunk and secure it into a tight circle. Most chains have hooks at the ends that can be used to create a strong grip.

Stretch out the chain and secure the other end around the ball hitch’s base. Wrap it around the ball a couple of times and secure it with another hook.

You should now return to your tow vehicle and begin driving back and forth. Use 4-wheel drive if it’s available on your vehicle. It improves traction and reduces the amount of impact you have on the ground.

Begin by moving forward at a slow pace. You don’t want to slam on the gas pedal too hard or you’ll end up damaging your bumper or flying forward faster than you planned. If your hitch doesn’t come out the first time, you don’t want to give yourself whiplash.

If the hitch is still firm, try driving backward and forwards with more force. Don’t go overboard, but start applying firm pressure and gaining some momentum. Adding more lubricant layers throughout the process will also help loosen the hitch.

Your hitch should pop free from the receiver after a few tries. The majority of them come out without too much difficulty, and this method has proven to be effective for many people who have encountered this problem.

If you still can’t get the hitch loose after trying this method, you may need to seek professional assistance. Don’t put your car, your property, or your trees in danger by pushing the boundaries too far!

Lubricants for Trailer Hitch:

I know I’ve mentioned lubricants a few times in this article, but I haven’t given you any good suggestions for the job. Now you don’t have to be concerned! I’ve got three fantastic products here that will come in handy when it comes to loosening hitches from receivers and travel trailer tongues.

They’re all highly rated and reasonably priced. Any of them comes highly recommended by me!

490026 Multi-Use Product with Smart Straw WD-40 490026 Multi-Use Product with Smart Straw WD-40 490026 Multi-Us

  • Price: $3-$5
  • Rating: 4.7/5

For a long time, WD-40 has been a mainstay in the automotive and home maintenance industries. It’s a well-known brand because it’s been providing excellent service for a long time.

The lubricant WD-40 is kept in small aerosol dispersal cans. The grease inside quickly reverts to a foaming liquid state after being sprayed, allowing it to quickly coat any surface.

It’s also effective at dissolving rust and adhesives. This makes it ideal for tangled situations, such as a ball hitch that refuses to disconnect from a trailer or hitch receiver.

A standard can of WD-40 holds 8 ounces. This can last a surprising amount of time, and you get a lot of bang for your buck. Bulk WD-40 packs with up to 12 cans are also readily available.

This is a product that is widely available in hardware and automotive stores, as well as online. If you’re interested in learning more about WD-40, go to this link for more information and ordering options.

Reese Towpower 58117 Hitch Ball Lube

  • Price: $10-$15
  • Rating: 4.5/5

Another excellent option for travel trailer owners is the Reese Towpower lubricant. This product differs from WD-40 in that it is applied as a gel rather than a spray.

This one will be more difficult to apply to hitches and receivers that are already stuck, but it’s a great way to avoid these issues in the first place. Applying a coat of Reese Towpower Lube to the ball hitch prior to a trip will make disconnecting the hitch a breeze!

You can use your hands, a brush, or a small rag to apply this product. Whichever method is most convenient for you!

This lubricant is also water-resistant, fights metal corrosion, and extends the life and quality of ball hitches by adding a layer of protection and making the disconnect process easier.

Visit this link to learn more about Reese Towpower 58117 Hitch Ball Lube and to place an order online.

Permatex 80345 White Lithium Grease

This lubricant is excellent and simple to use. It comes in a small squeeze tube that makes it simple to apply to any flat surfaces or small cracks in your hitch or receiver.

This is excellent for those who prefer to keep their hands clean. Unlike the previous product, which required you to spread the lubricant around the surface, this one has a small pointed nozzle that allows you to squeeze it out without touching it directly.

The Permatex White Lithium Grease lubricant is suitable for both metal on metal and metal on plastic setups. As a result, it can be tailored to meet a wide range of requirements. It’s also non-toxic and stainless, and it protects metal from rust and wear.

Permatex can also withstand moisture and high temperatures. This allows it to function even when it is subjected to friction or when the metal is exposed to the sun. Another way it prevents rust is through moisture protection. Overall, this is an excellent lubricant for a wide range of automotive and home maintenance tasks.

Visit this link to learn more about Permatex 80345 White Lithium Grease and to place an order online.

Why Do Trailer Hitch Attachments Get Stuck in the First Place?

We’re almost done with the process of repairing stuck trailer hitches, guiding you through the removal of hitches from receivers, and recommending some good lubricants.

But, before we go any further, let’s go over some of the reasons for these issues and how to avoid them. There are a few factors that can cause stuck hitches, and the majority of them can be avoided with caution!

Equipment that isn’t the right size

Choosing the incorrect receiver and ball size is one of the most common causes of problems with your ball hitch and trailer tongue.

Because most ball hitches are the same size, it’s easy to assume that they’re all the same. However, ball hitches that are slightly larger or smaller than the standard are still available. Always double-check that your hitch and receiver are the same sizes.

If you have a ball that is just a smidgeon too big for the tongue, it may attach, but it will be difficult to remove. This is a difficult problem to solve, and the best solution is to replace the item with one that is the correct size.

One of the most common causes of stuck trailer equipment is rust. In humid climates, this can quickly build-up, and it’s especially strong on untreated metal. Many hitches and trailer equipment come with rust-prevention coatings, but these can wear off over time.

Applying a protective layer of polish and/or lubricant to your ball hitch on a regular basis is one of the best ways to prevent rust. Many of these are rust-resistant and resistant to water.

Another factor that makes disconnecting difficult is the cold. Metal can contract and shrink when it’s below freezing outside. This will have an impact on your hitch and trailer tongue, potentially locking them together.

One thing to try to fix this problem is to warm up the connection between the two. Attempt to take it into a garage or apply a heat source to them for a few minutes to loosen up the metal.

Another way to avoid this is to store your trailers in warm environments during the winter. Constant shrinking and expansion are bad for industrial-grade metal because it compromises its integrity.

You might also want to read these RV Tips and Guides:

  • 4 Top Travel Trailers For RV Living Full-Time
  • What Is The Finest RV Water Hose That Is Heated?
  • How Much Can You Earn By Renting Out Your RV? A Practical Guide
  • Types of Travel Trailers 101: Everything You Need to Know
  • 17 Travel Trailer Upgrades That Are Well Worth the Money

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The Fun Outdoors

How to Unhook a Gooseneck Trailer: Quick Guide for Beginners

Unhooking a gooseneck trailer can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to it. However, it’s an essential skill that every trailer owner should know. Knowing how to unhook a gooseneck trailer can save you time and money in the long run, as well as ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Before you start unhooking your gooseneck trailer, it’s important to take some safety precautions. This includes inspecting the trailer and tow vehicle for any damage or defects, ensuring the trailer is on a level surface, and disconnecting the trailer’s electrical connections. Once you’ve taken these steps, you can proceed with unhooking the trailer.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to unhook a gooseneck trailer, as well as some post-unhooking checks and common questions and answers to help you along the way.

Quick Knowledge:

  • Unhooking a gooseneck trailer is an essential skill that every trailer owner should know.
  • Before unhooking, take safety precautions such as inspecting for damage, ensuring the trailer is on a level surface, and disconnecting electrical connections.
  • Follow these step-by-step instructions for unhooking your gooseneck trailer, and make sure to perform post-unhooking checks to ensure everything is secure.

Safety Precautions Before Unhooking

how to unhook travel trailer from hitch

Before unhooking a gooseneck trailer, it is important to take some safety precautions to ensure that the process is done safely and efficiently.

In this section, we will discuss some of the key safety measures that you should take before unhooking your gooseneck trailer.

Inspect the Trailer

Before unhooking the trailer, it is important to inspect it thoroughly to ensure that it is safe to disconnect.

Check the key components of both the tractor and trailer for damage and defects.

Any damage could increase the risk of an accident, even if you follow the right procedures when unhooking.

Take an especially close look at the fifth wheel and ensure there are no cracks or bent parts.

Position the Vehicle

The first step to unhooking your gooseneck trailer is to position your vehicle and trailer correctly. 

Ensure that your vehicle is parked on a level surface and that the trailer is in a straight line with the vehicle.

This will make it easier to unhook the trailer and reduce the risk of accidents.

Check the Level Surface

It is important to park your vehicle and trailer on a level surface before unhooking the gooseneck trailer.

This will ensure that the trailer is stable and will not move or roll while you are unhooking it. If the surface is not level, you may need to use wheel chocks to prevent the trailer from moving.

Taking these safety precautions before unhooking your gooseneck trailer can help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that the process is done safely and efficiently.

By inspecting the trailer, positioning the vehicle correctly, and checking the level surface, you can ensure that you are unhooking your gooseneck trailer in the safest way possible.

See Related: How To Level A Camper

Step by Step Guide to Unhook a Gooseneck Trailer

If you’re new to towing a gooseneck trailer, it’s essential to know how to unhook it safely. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it with ease.

Disengage the Hitch

The first step is to disengage the hitch.

To do this, you need to release the locking mechanism that holds the trailer in place. Make sure your truck is parked on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

Then, use the handle on the hitch to release it from the ball on your truck.

Detach the Safety Chains

After disengaging the hitch, you need to detach the safety chains.

These chains are designed to prevent the trailer from separating from the truck in case the hitch fails. Locate the chains and remove them from the hooks on your truck.

Be sure to keep them off the ground and secure them to the trailer.

Disconnect the Electrical Connections

Most gooseneck trailers come with electrical connections that power the trailer’s brakes and lights. Before you can unhook the trailer, you need to disconnect these connections.

Look for the plug that connects the trailer to your truck and remove it.

Make sure you tuck it away safely to avoid any damage.

See Related: How To Clean a Trailer Plug

Lower the Landing Gear

The final step is to lower the landing gear. This gear is located at the front of the trailer and is used to support the weight of the trailer when it’s not attached to the truck.

Use the crank to lower the gear until the trailer is level. This will also help to take the weight off the hitch, making it easier to disengage.

Post Unhooking Checks

how to unhook travel trailer from hitch

After unhooking your gooseneck trailer, it’s important to perform a few post-unhooking checks to ensure that everything is in good working order. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Inspect for Any Damage

Before storing your trailer, it’s important to inspect it for any damage. Check the key components of both the tractor and trailer for damage and defects.

Take an especially close look at the fifth wheel and ensure there are no cracks or bent parts. 

Damage could increase the risk of an accident even if you follow the right procedures when unhooking.

See Related: How To Remove A Gooseneck Ball

Test the Brakes

After unhooking your trailer, test the brakes to ensure they are working properly. This is especially important if you plan on storing the trailer for an extended period of time.

To test the brakes, apply the foot brake on your truck and make sure the trailer brakes engage. 

If they don’t, it may be time to replace the brake pads or adjust the brake controller.

Store the Trailer Properly

Once you’ve inspected the trailer for damage and tested the brakes, it’s time to store it properly. 

See Related: How Much Does RV Storage Cost? and How To Prevent RV Mold During Storage

Make sure the trailer is parked on level ground and the parking brake is engaged. If your trailer has a support stand or jack, use it to support the trailer while unhooking it from the truck hitch ball mount.

This will keep the trailer stable and prevent it from rolling away.

In addition to these post-unhooking checks, it’s also important to perform regular maintenance on your gooseneck trailer.

This includes checking the tire pressure, lubricating the wheel bearings, and inspecting the electrical system.

By taking care of your trailer, you can ensure that it will last for years to come.

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How To Release A Trailer Hitch That’s Stuck On A Ball

How To Release A Trailer Hitch That's Stuck On A Ball

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If your trailer hitch is stuck on the ball, prepare yourself for the worst. Summon all of your animal instincts, and prepare for curse words, barked shins, back strain, sweat, tears, and possibly blood.

Okay, maybe we’re exaggerating a little bit—but only a little bit. There are several reasons your hitch might be stuck. However, when it comes to removing the hitch, none of those reasons really matter until later. There’s nothing for it but to grit your teeth and get to it.

The thing is, we don’t want your hitch and ball problems to ruin your entire camping trip (something it’s capable of doing).

So, we’re here to recommend some preventative maintenance, some preventative procedures, and some troubleshooting tips for getting the hitch off without breaking any bones.

How to Release a Hitch That’s Stuck on the Ball

How to Release a Hitch That's Stuck on the Ball

If you’ve ever been here before, you know what’s in store. For those who haven’t, there are several approaches to the problem, all of which are physical to one degree or another.

Before you start throwing things because your stabilizer system is lifting the rear end of your truck, take a step back and check a few things.

First and foremost, your RV needs to be on chocks. Don’t make the horrible mistake of celebrating the hitch losing its grip on the ball before you watch your travel trailer go crashing down the hill.

Next, check and make sure the ball lock is completely open, your weight distribution hitch is open, and your sway bars are out. Wiggle the ball lock and make sure it’s loose.

If it’s tight and immobile, it’s still on there pretty well. At this point, you need to try moving the vehicle but not in the way you think.

  • Hop in the cab of your towing vehicle
  • Press your foot hard on the brake
  • Release the parking brake
  • Put the vehicle in neutral
  • Pump the brakes, only coming completely off the brake very briefly
  • Do not put your foot on the accelerator
  • You will feel the truck rocking back and forth slightly
  • Press your foot firmly on the brake again
  • Put the parking brake back on
  • Shift back to Park
  • Get out and check the hitch and ball

Seems pretty simple, right? Well, it works most of the time. Pumping the brake and allowing the towing vehicle to move just slightly, is often enough to break the hitch free from the ball. However, if it’s still stuck, a hammer and some WD-40 will do the trick.

What Size Hitch Ball Do You Need?

What Size Hitch Ball Do You Need?

There are standard hitch sizes that you need to know but breaking them down into three categories will help you keep track of what’s what. Think about it like this—light-duty towing, medium-duty towing, and heavy-duty towing.

For the purpose of hauling a travel trailer, those are the three categories we’re looking at.

  • Light-Duty Towing: 1 -7/8″ Hitch Ball
  • Medium-Duty Towing: 2″ Hitch Ball
  • Heavy-Duty Towing: 2 – 5/16″ Hitch Ball

When you’re considering the hitch ball you need to haul your trailer, it’s all about the weight capacity, which ranges from 2,000 lbs to 30,000 lbs. You can also match the coupler to the ball or match the shank to the trailer ball hole.

Having a matching hitch and ball is critical for safely towing your travel trailer!

Fortunately for the consumer, the size is usually stamped on the ball, making identification much easier. A class III hitch is the most popular but just because it’s the most popular doesn’t mean you should make assumptions about your ball and coupler.

A ball that is too small for the coupler will knock around inside, potentially coming loose. The result, bent sway bars and potentially dragging the hitch on the highway.

This is why safety chains are so important. The point is, going with the wrong size will potentially cause a ton of damage.

How to Prevent Your Hitch from Getting Stuck On the Ball?

All you need to do is practice a little preventative maintenance and choose the right size ball to match the coupler and weight capacity.

Both the coupler and the ball are very susceptible to rust. Additionally, both of them remain exposed to the elements constantly. One of the best ways to waterproof them, especially where they connect, is to use grease.

For more info about the proper type of grease to use, check out our article called Should You Grease Your Trailer Hitch Ball or Not?

Not only will this lubricate the hitch and ball, but it will also prevent additional rusting that will eventually make the problem worse. Taking this approach significantly contributes to preventing your trailer hitch from getting stuck on a ball. There are, however, some other factors to consider.

Clean The Ball and Receiver

Before you even bother applying grease, you need to keep both the receiver and ball clean as a whistle. Shine those things up until they look like chrome.

To do this, use sandpaper or a wire brush to clean off all of the visible rust. It usually works best to use fine-grit sandpaper first and follow it up with the wire brush.

The brush will help you get the tight nooks and crannies you can’t get with sandpaper. For even more info, check out our article called How To Stop A Trailer Hitch From Squeaking .

Hitch Pin Hole and Ball Lock Lever

Hitch Pin Hole and Ball Lock Lever

It’s surprising how much these two contribute to getting your trailer hitch stuck on the ball. They aren’t easy to clean, especially since they are so small. Do the best you can by using a wire brush to work your way around and over the hinge and pinhole.

Spray them both down with WD-40 afterward and place a hitch cover over your handiwork. The cover won’t keep out the moisture from the air but it will block the rain.

Park Your Vehicle and RV in the Right Place

First and foremost, try to park your towing vehicle and travel trailer in the most level spot you can find. The less gravity affects your rig the better. You’ll level your RV soon enough anyway.

Make sure you are close enough to the hookups so you don’t have to move again or, even worse, hitch up and move again. Also, do your best to avoid tight spaces and narrow confines. The last thing you need when unhitching is no elbow room.

Do Hitch Balls Have Weight Ratings?

Yes, hitch balls have weight ratings and that brings us back to the three hitch balls. Each one is categorized by size and each one has a weight rating.

  • Light-Duty Towing – 1 -7/8″: Up to 3,500 lbs
  • Medium-Duty Towing – 2″: 3,500 to 12,000 lbs
  • Heavy-Duty Towing – 2 – 5/16″: 6,000 to 30,000 lbs

You’re more than welcome to match your hitch ball to the coupler based on weight ratings. Part of the matching process includes weight ratings, along with matching the sizes of both the hitch and ball.

Mismatching based on weight ratings or size will result in a loose connection or the trailer hitch getting stuck on the ball. Neither is an ideal situation to be in, especially if you’re traveling 55+ mph down the interstate.

Should You Grease Your Hitch Ball?

Should You Grease Your Hitch Ball?

Yes, you should grease your hitch ball unless the thing is so rusty that it’s probably compromised. There is a ton of controversy around the subject, with most opponents pointing to dirt and dust accumulation as primary reasons for avoiding it.

However, there are ways to grease your hitch ball without accumulating anything. Plus, even if you don’t use the right grease, the good far outweighs the bad.

Dry graphite lubricant not only lubricates and protects your hitch ball, but it also resists dirt accumulation.

W hite Grease Hitch Ball Lube is a dry graphite variant of hitch ball lubes and effectively lubricates without becoming absolutely filthy.

4 FAQs About Releasing a Trailer Hitch That’s Stuck On a Ball

1. why do trailer hitches get stuck on the ball.

The primary reason your trailer hitch gets stuck on the ball is rust. However, it will also get stuck if you have a mismatched hitch and ball or position your vehicle and travel trailer wrong when you park it.

2. How can you release a stuck hitch from a ball?

Adjusting the position of the vehicle often solves the problem by either breaking the rust hold on it or shifting it into a position that isn’t fighting gravity. Using a hammer to tap the sides of the hitch and WD-40 are also effective secondary measures.

3. How can you prevent your hitch from getting stuck on the ball?

Prevent your trailer hitch from getting stuck on the ball by cleaning and lubricating it. Also, ensure you have the right sizes, and park on level ground before you get out.

4. How to tell what size hitch ball you need?

You tell what size hitch ball you need by matching the size of the ball with the coupler or the weight rating. The size of the ball is stamped directly on it, which makes your job easier.

Final Thoughts About Releasing A Trailer Hitch That’s Stuck On A Ball

Hopefully, you’ll find over a thousand words of inspiration here. At the end of the day, we want you to avoid ruining your evening by dealing with a catastrophically stuck hitch.

The good news is a stuck hitch is avoidable with the proper maintenance, preparation, and preventative actions. No one wants to start off their camping trip nursing a bruised shin or a banged-up funny bone.

As with most of the products and devices in our lives, take care of your hitch and ball and they will take care of you.

Related Reading:

1. how to stop a trailer hitch from squeaking, 2. does travel trailer length include the hitch, 3. should you grease your trailer hitch ball or not, 4. a closer look at andersen ultimate hitch failures and problems, about the author:.

Thomas Godwin is a full-time freelance writer with a BFA in Creative Writing, a U.S. Marine, and an avid outdoorsman.

When he’s not writing, he’s raising chickens and Appleyard ducks. Thomas also constructs teardrop campers (attempting to anyway) and kayaks the Blackwater River with his wife, two daughters, and his Dobermans.

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How to Hook Up a Trailer

Last Updated: October 17, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Bruce Storrs . Bruce Storrs is a Driving Instructor and the President & CEO of North County School of Driving in San Marcos, California. With more than 31 years of experience, he specializes in teaching teens and adults safe driving behaviors in the classroom, online, and behind the wheel. Bruce earned a BA and MA from San Diego State University. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 83% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 344,647 times.

Hooking up a trailer to your car or truck is an easy way to increase the storage capacity of your vehicle. However, failing to attach your trailer correctly can lead to damage to your own car, the trailer, and other vehicles around you as you drive. By securing the coupler to the hitch ball on your vehicle, making sure that it’s locked in properly, and wiring up the lights, you can hook up a trailer safely and easily.

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Lining up Your Vehicle

Step 1 Move the trailer to a long, easily accessible area.

  • Most trailers will have an attached jack with a wheel on the end that can help keep the trailer level without it being attached to anything. Keep this out while moving the trailer by hand to reduce some of the heavy lifting.
  • If your trailer is already full, it might be more difficult to move by hand. Rotate it on the spot as much as you can to make the reversing job easier, as trying to move it yourself may be difficult.

Step 2 Reverse your vehicle in a straight line with the trailer.

  • Reversing your car into the right position and space is much easier when you have a lot of room to work with.
  • Keeping the trailer and vehicle lined up properly will make driving much easier, especially when you’re first getting onto the road.
  • It might help to get a friend or someone else to help you reverse the car. They can guide you on how far back to drive and help you correct the vehicle if it starts angling in one direction.

Step 3 Position the trailer coupler slightly above the hitch ball.

  • If your trailer doesn’t have an attached jack, you could use a regular car jack to hold the trailer at the right height.
  • Attached trailer jacks will be slightly behind the coupler on the trailer.
  • If the trailer is light enough and easy to move, you could simply lift the trailer coupler forward and place it over the hitch ball.
  • The hitch ball is the metal ball on the back of your car that the trailer coupler will attach to.

Step 4 Back your vehicle up until the coupler is directly above the hitch ball.

  • It’s possible to reverse into position by yourself, but it will take a lot of trial and error. Reverse a little bit, put on the break, and get out to check how much further back you need to go. Repeat this process until everything is lined up.
  • If you reverse too far back, you may hit the coupler and scratch or damage the back of your car.

Securing the Trailer

Step 1 Unlock the trailer coupler latch.

  • Some trailers might have methods other than latch pins used to hold the latch in place. Try to raise the latch and see what’s holding it in place to find the right way to release it.
  • The latch will likely be a metal handle on top of the trailer coupler.
  • If the coupler is already unlocked, you can skip this step.

Step 2 Lower the coupler socket onto the vehicles hitch ball.

  • If the latch has been lifted and everything is positioned properly, the socket should lower and sit perfectly on the hitch ball.

Step 3 Move the trailer jack out of the way.

  • The wheel on the trailer jack is not designed for use while driving. Do not drive with the trailer jack on or extended at risk of damaging the trailer, your vehicle, or other vehicles on the road.

Step 4 Lock the coupler latch and insert the latch pin.

  • Different trailers and trailer couplers may have slightly different locking mechanisms. Always consult the owner’s manual for your own trailer to make sure you lock it into place properly.

Step 5 Attach the safety chains to the back of your vehicle in a cross pattern.

  • The safety chains will be the last safety mechanism in place if the coupler latch fails, so they are legally required in many places.
  • If the coupler disconnects from the vehicle while you’re driving, it will fall and land on the crossed chains rather than hitting the road.
  • The safety chains will be attached to your trailer, just below the coupler.

Connecting the Lights

Step 1 Locate the wiring socket on the back of your vehicle.

  • If you cannot find the wiring socket on your car, check the manufacturer’s instructions for your car for further assistance.
  • If your wiring socket is damaged, corroded, or frayed in any way, have it looked over by a mechanic before plugging the trailer wire into it.

Step 2 Plug the trailer wire into your vehicle.

  • Some trailers will have metal loops along the side of the coupler that the wire can be threaded through to keep it out of the way.
  • Avoid running the wire underneath the coupler and hitch ball, as this will increase the chances of it getting damaged or becoming unplugged should the trailer detach from your vehicle.

Step 3 Test the headlights, blinkers, and brake lights on the trailer.

  • If any of the lights aren’t working, you should not drive the trailer. This is the same as driving without the corresponding light on your car working. Call a mechanic to ask for assistance before driving your car with the trailer attached.
  • Rather than moving back and forth from the driver's seat of your car to the rear end of your trailer, ask a friend to check the lights while you activate them.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • If the trailer is light enough, it may be easier to wheel it to the hitch ball on your car, rather than reversing the car to the trailer. Always lift with your legs to avoid injury while you do so. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If your car has a reversing camera, you may be able to use it to easily line up the trailer socket with the hitch ball. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • You should check to make sure the hitch ball and coupler are firmly attached. Use the jack to lift up the trailer slightly and make sure it stays securely attached to your car. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how to unhook travel trailer from hitch

  • Always check to make sure that a child or pet has not wandered behind the vehicle before you start backing up. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
  • The safety chains should only be used as an extra measure of security, rather than being relied on to move your trailer. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Always inspect the hitch connections, tires and running gear before you get ready to pull away after a rest or fuel stop. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 5
  • Make sure the ball hitch on your vehicle is the same size as the ball socket on your trailer. The size of each will be stamped near the ball or socket. [13] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Never have a person stand between the vehicle and trailer while you move the trailer. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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  • ↑ https://youtu.be/pjGt1Hkm1y8?t=28
  • ↑ https://youtu.be/pjGt1Hkm1y8?t=53
  • ↑ https://youtu.be/GwxVB4xbA5k?t=41
  • ↑ https://belcocustomtrailers.com.au/trailer-tips/how-to-hook-up-a-trailer/
  • ↑ https://youtu.be/pjGt1Hkm1y8?t=76
  • ↑ https://youtu.be/pjGt1Hkm1y8?t=74
  • ↑ https://youtu.be/GwxVB4xbA5k?t=48
  • ↑ https://youtu.be/pjGt1Hkm1y8?t=84
  • ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a6791/the-right-way-to-tow-a-trailer/
  • ↑ https://youtu.be/GwxVB4xbA5k?t=128
  • ↑ https://youtu.be/pjGt1Hkm1y8?t=114
  • ↑ https://youtu.be/pjGt1Hkm1y8?t=129
  • ↑ https://youtu.be/pjGt1Hkm1y8?t=14

About This Article

Bruce Storrs

To hook up a trailer, move the trailer to an open stretch of driveway if you can, and position it so you can approach it in a straight line with your vehicle. Drive your vehicle forward so it’s directly in front of the trailer, and then slowly reverse as directly in line with the trailer as you can. Stop when the back of the car is around 1 foot away from the front of the trailer. Using the built-in trailer jack or a regular car jack, raise the metal socket, called the “coupler,” on the end of the trailer to about 2 to 3 inches above the hitch ball on the back of your car. Then, reverse your car slowly until the hitch ball is directly under the socket. If you can, have a friend help guide you and tell you when to stop reversing. Unlock the latch on the trailer coupler, and then adjust the jack to lower the coupler onto the hitch ball until the weight of the trailer is fully supported by your car. For more tips from our co-author, like how to connect the lights of your trailer to your car, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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  1. RV Weight Distribution Unhooking

    This is an instructional video of how to properly disconnect your trailer from the truck when using your weight distribution hitch.

  2. How to Unhook a Trailer Hitch: A Step by Step Guide

    Unhook the safety chains from the tow vehicle and let them hang freely. 3. Raise the tongue of the trailer off the ground using the jack or leveling system (if equipped). 4. Remove the pin or locking mechanism that secures the ball mount to the hitch receiver. 5.

  3. How to unhitch a travel trailer

    How to unhitch a travel trailer. Weight distributing hitch.Bulldog 500187 Black A-Frame Jack with Powered Drive: https://amzn.to/2KwTKAE14.5" x 17.5" Elect...

  4. RV BEGINNERS- How to unhitch your camper from your tow Vehicle

    You have finally maneuvered your trailer into the perfect spot, hooray! Now it's time to unhook! But wait, what is this funky hitch with the bars and chains?...

  5. RV 101®

    In this RV how to video for RV newbies, Mark Polk with RV Education 101 demonstrates how to hitch and unhitch a travel trailer using a weight distribution hi...

  6. How to Get a Travel Trailer Hitch Un-stuck

    Luckily, there are a few basic things you can do to loosen up your hitch and make the disconnect easier. To disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch, release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins. Next, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth to loosen the hitch. If this doesn't work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten ...

  7. Safely Hitching and Unhitching a Travel Trailer

    Remove your hitch lock, if you have one. Flip-up the receiver latch into the vertical open position. Use your jack to raise the front of the trailer up. Lubricate the jack piston while it is extended. If you feel the trailer shift while raising it, stop immediately, and go check your wheel chocks.

  8. Step-by-Step Guide to Unhitching a Travel Trailer

    Step 1: Unlock the trailer's door and put down the steps. I step inside the trailer to look around, to see if anything traumatic happened en route such as drawers coming open, things falling, etc. I also turn off the trailer's back up camera. Step 2: Get out the blocks or pads to put under the jacks.

  9. How To Disconnect Tow Vehicle From Camper with Weight Distribution

    If you are going to unhitch your tow vehicle from the camper and you have a weight distribution system on your vehicle, you will want to unhook the weight distribution from your tow vehicle. First, make sure the trailer is level and chock the tires so they will not roll. Then, disconnect the electrical connection and safety chains.

  10. The Ultimate Guide to Hitching and Unhitching Your Travel Trailer

    Step 1: Position Your Vehicle and Trailer. Park your towing vehicle and travel trailer on a level surface. This ensures stability during the unhitching process. Apply the parking brake on your towing vehicle. This prevents your vehicle from moving while you unhitch the trailer.

  11. How to Hitch and Lock a Trailer

    Latch the Coupler. Latch/lock the coupler over the hitch ball. (If you have an auto-latch coupler, it should click into place on its own.) Feel inside the coupler to make sure the ball is fully enclosed within the coupler. Slide your coupler pin or latch lock in place to make sure the coupler doesn't come unlocked. 5.

  12. How To Hook Up a Weight Distribution Hitch

    Insert the hitch pin and secure it with the clip. Grease the hitch ball. Raise the tongue of the trailer higher than the hitch ball. Release the parking brake and back the tow vehicle up so that the hitch ball is directly under the coupler. Set the parking brake again. Lower the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball.

  13. Trailer Coupler is Stuck on Hitch Ball and Will Not Release

    First, release the mechanism that holds the coupler onto the ball. It may be a lever or a knob that has to be turned. Some require a dual action move where you would push back or forward on the lever while lifting up on it. If you have done this and it seems to be stuck then it is most likely a binding issue. You can try moving the tow vehicle ...

  14. How to Unhitch a Sticky Trailer Hitch from the Reciever

    Release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins to disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch. To loosen the hitch, slowly drive the tow vehicle back and forth. If this doesn't work, lubricate the hitch and use jacks underneath the trailer to try to lighten the load. This method should work in the majority of cases!

  15. Five tips for overnighting without unhooking your travel trailer from

    On a long road trip, sometimes we like to stop for a short rest. It's not always affordable or practical to book a campsite, so we "moochdock" in areas that allow it. On nights like this, when we are only staying a short time to get some sleep, it seems like a lot of unnecessary effort to unhook the travel trailer from the truck.

  16. How to Unhook a Gooseneck Trailer: Quick Guide for Beginners

    Position the Vehicle. The first step to unhooking your gooseneck trailer is to position your vehicle and trailer correctly. Ensure that your vehicle is parked on a level surface and that the trailer is in a straight line with the vehicle. This will make it easier to unhook the trailer and reduce the risk of accidents.

  17. RV Newbie: How to unhitch travel trailer from truck and level your rv

    This video is about the rv basics of detaching a travel trailer from your tow vehicle. It is intended for RV newbies or anyone that hasnt detached in a bit....

  18. Travel Trailer Setup & Takedown Guide with Checklists

    Here are the steps to follow: 1. Position the tow vehicle . Align the tow vehicle to your trailer and check that the trailer jack is high enough so the ball can slide under the trailer tongue with enough clearance when you back the tow vehicle up. Back the tow vehicle up and position it so the ball is right under the trailer coupler.

  19. How to Hook Up Your Car to Your RV Tow Bar

    4.2) Pull Up Behind the RV, as Straight as Possible with the RV Tow Bar. 4.3) Attach and Secure the RV Tow Bar Arms. 4.4) Attach Safety Cables and Breakway Cable. 4.5) Plug in the Wiring Harness. 4.6) Make Sure the RV Tow Bar Latches are Engaged. 4.7) Prepare the Tow Car for Towing.

  20. How To Release A Trailer Hitch That's Stuck On A Ball

    Press your foot hard on the brake. Release the parking brake. Put the vehicle in neutral. Pump the brakes, only coming completely off the brake very briefly. Do not put your foot on the accelerator. You will feel the truck rocking back and forth slightly. Press your foot firmly on the brake again.

  21. How to Safely Uncouple a Trailer on an Incline

    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 ...

  22. How To Safely Hook and Unhook an E2 Weight Distribution RV Trailer Hitch

    Todd Colley walks us through how to safely hook and unhook an E2 weight distribution RV trailer hitch.HOOKLower your coupler onto the ball and secure with th...

  23. How to Hook Up a Trailer: 12 Steps (with Pictures)

    Plug the trailer wire into your vehicle. There should be a loose wire with a plug on one end near the trailer coupler. Run the wire above the coupler and the hitch ball and plug it into the socket on the back of your vehicle. Press the plug securely into the socket and use any latches on the wire to hold them together.