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Old 05-10-2015, 08:14 PM   #1
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Could not uncouple

I just purchased a 2015 Flagstaff ultralight DS21. Brought it home from dealer and ... could not uncouple. I've worked with trailers my whole life and did all the tricks. Left coupled and slid out receiver. Is there and more information on this problem over the past 12 months ? I'll call the dealer on Monday.
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Old 05-10-2015, 08:46 PM   #2
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I think it would help to know exactly what happened to you.
Were you not able to lift the latch?
Were you not able to release the jaw?
Were you not able to get the ball to drop?
Were you not able to release it even with the receiver out?

I hope this type of detail would get you some better answers.
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Old 05-10-2015, 08:53 PM   #3
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The latch lifts out of slot. I never saw full release position but I don't think it is vertical. It feels like gate is not opening enough. Crank post to plenty of pressure. Jumping on bumper. Nothing. Pulled receiver still attached.
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Old 05-10-2015, 09:00 PM   #4
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Since it is brand new, my first guess would be the manufacturer/dealer lubed nothing. If you can get some of (whatever the hitch manufacturer recommends for) lubricant in there it may help.
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Old 05-10-2015, 09:02 PM   #5
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You may have already tried this but when it happens to me I chock both wheels on the trailer and give it a little forward jerk with the truck. I have to back up an incline and the ball exerts pressure on the back of the hitch and wont let it release. The trailer should be firmly on the hitch before doing this. But you probably already knew that.
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Old 05-11-2015, 04:26 PM   #6
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What did the dealer say?
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Old 05-11-2015, 04:33 PM   #7
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Did you get back up under there and try to back off the coupler adjustment bolt? It wouldn't be the first time someone had a coupler set for a 2" ball on an actual 2 5/16"'r.
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Old 05-14-2015, 02:20 PM   #8
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I've had this problem with my Windjammer and Equalizer hitch since day one. I think it's the angle of the ball, but it's set where it needs to be to level the truck and trailer.

What seems to work for me when this happens is to chock the trailer well, and then back up the truck very slightly so as to take pressure off of and fully release the tension on the latch. I also make it a point to lubricate the latch and ball before each trip.
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Old 05-14-2015, 03:49 PM   #9
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Dealer said bring it back if I can not get it ( 2 hours one way ) but they seemed good. I am attacking it this weekend, just have not had time this week. I don't remember seeing an adjustment nut in there like on smaller trailers. I can see the "gate" and will try to tap that back if possible. This is new reciever and WD setup so even though trailer has been off and on a few times on their vehicles it is the first hookup with this ball and receiver.
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Old 05-14-2015, 03:54 PM   #10
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I recommend the judicious application of an impact generator.
(Translation: Hit it with a hammer.)
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Old 05-14-2015, 04:00 PM   #11
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I had the same issue with a different model hitch and RV and chocking the trailer wheels and moving the tow vehicle slightly forward worked. Mine wasn't greased and will be the next time. We had the same issue with boat trailer in the past.
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Old 05-14-2015, 04:04 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lakejumper View Post
I had the same issue with a different model hitch and RV and chocking the trailer wheels and moving the tow vehicle slightly forward worked. Mine wasn't greased and will be the next time. We had the same issue with boat trailer in the past.
Same as above.
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Old 05-15-2015, 06:17 AM   #13
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Got it. My turn to wear the idiot hat. When I started crawling underneath I noticed that the release lever slides up and back more than I thought. It may have been binding when hooked up but without the trailer attached it slid right back and the hitch dropped out. I'm going to grease it all up and hope for the best. Thanks everyone for your help. JW
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Old 05-15-2015, 06:31 AM   #14
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Old 05-16-2015, 03:19 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jtwilber View Post
Got it. My turn to wear the idiot hat. When I started crawling underneath I noticed that the release lever slides up and back more than I thought. It may have been binding when hooked up but without the trailer attached it slid right back and the hitch dropped out. I'm going to grease it all up and hope for the best. Thanks everyone for your help. JW
You are in good company IMHO. I had the same "problem" with my new FR trailer when I picked it up this year. Just hadn't seen a ball latch that had to slide back before and it took me awhile to figger it out.
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Old 05-16-2015, 04:04 PM   #16
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I'm going to grease it all up and hope for the best.
Don't skimp on the grease... especially the nooks and crannies in your coupler.

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Old 05-16-2015, 04:24 PM   #17
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And put a few dabs of grease on your shirt and pants. Just to get in the practice!
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Old 05-23-2015, 03:28 PM   #18
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Making a note of this because it will probably happen to me when I bring the new Rockwood home for the first time.
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Old 05-26-2015, 08:05 AM   #19
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happened to me one time early on too..Did everything I could think of including the hammer. After about an hour of trying it FINALLY dropped off with much fanfare. I lubed well and it has never happened again..knock on wood!
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