Boat Trailer won't release
- Thread starter ritchim
- Start date
Chip S
Active Member
- Jun 17, 2019
- 432
- Boat Info
- 1993 Sea Ray 200 Overnighter
- Engines
- 2023 Mercury 150 hp Four Stroke Outboard
When you lift the trailer up the hitch will sometimes get stuck. Usually standing on the bumper of your truck and bouncing will release it. Don't raise the trailer hitch too high before trying this. The lower it is the better.
First boat? Do you know how to release the safety/lock lever? Picture?
If the lever is properly opened, there may be too much pressure on the front side of the ball against the coupler. Use the jack to lift the truck up a bit (upwards pressure) and jump on the bumper or, instead, backup an inch.
If the lever is properly opened, there may be too much pressure on the front side of the ball against the coupler. Use the jack to lift the truck up a bit (upwards pressure) and jump on the bumper or, instead, backup an inch.
2016FLD
Active Member
What works for me... Get a can WD-40 or PB Blaster, squirt up around the ball / under the coupler, use the trailer jack to put a slight upward pressure on the coupler, block the wheels of the trailer (forward and backwards) start rocking the truck between drive and reverse without touching the gas (like when stuck in the snow), after several rocks (mine took about 10) the coupler pops off the ball. Yay!
JHornsby3
Well-Known Member
- Nov 10, 2020
- 1,392
- Boat Info
- "Steele'y Tutz"
1992 300 Sundancer
- Engines
- Twin 4.3L W/Alpha One Gen II
Sounds like the tension is a little tight on the coupling in the trailer. Might need a cleaning and adjusting the tension on the nut in the coupler. Or you have a 2 5/16" ball stuck in a 2" coupler. Seen it done before.
John
John
Espos4
Well-Known Member
What was the last movement of the tow vehicle?
If you were backing up with the steering wheel turned off center, you’ll wind up with the ball binding side to side as well as forward or backward.
If you were backing up with the steering wheel turned off center, you’ll wind up with the ball binding side to side as well as forward or backward.
TimW
Well-Known Member
- Jul 2, 2018
- 1,251
- Boat Info
- 2003 260 Sundancer
Tri-axle venture trailer
F250 diesel truck
- Engines
- 350 MAG MPI
My BS meter is pegged on that claim.
JHornsby3
Well-Known Member
- Nov 10, 2020
- 1,392
- Boat Info
- "Steele'y Tutz"
1992 300 Sundancer
- Engines
- Twin 4.3L W/Alpha One Gen II
Seen it several times. They will fit. And they will couple when the coupler is worn some. And once they get together, they have to be taken apart to get loose. The last time the guy used a hammer to pound down the lock. Said it was rusty but was the wrong ball.
TimW
Well-Known Member
- Jul 2, 2018
- 1,251
- Boat Info
- 2003 260 Sundancer
Tri-axle venture trailer
F250 diesel truck
- Engines
- 350 MAG MPI
Nope.
Just no way that is happening.
I’ve moved 3-4000 trailers over the years, ranging from 3x5 utility trailers to 40’ park model rvs from antique to brand new. If the coupler was worn enough for a 2 5/16 to even begin to enter it would be completely destroyed.
Just no way that is happening.
I’ve moved 3-4000 trailers over the years, ranging from 3x5 utility trailers to 40’ park model rvs from antique to brand new. If the coupler was worn enough for a 2 5/16 to even begin to enter it would be completely destroyed.
HawkX66
Well-Known Member
- Jul 27, 2020
- 1,344
- Boat Info
- "Tread Knot"
1997 Sea Ray Sundancer 290DA
2020 F350 6.7L
- Engines
- 454 L29 Carb w/ Bravo III
I've seen it happen with 1 7/8" vs 2" balls many times. In the OPs case, if the truck and trailer aren't level, it's easy to jam the ball. Might also need to move the truck forward slightly like was mentioned earlier.
TimW
Well-Known Member
- Jul 2, 2018
- 1,251
- Boat Info
- 2003 260 Sundancer
Tri-axle venture trailer
F250 diesel truck
- Engines
- 350 MAG MPI
Same here. Especially with the old style screw down couplers.
Just ain’t happening the other way.
