Coupler is very hard to release

[cheeseheadjim]

I just picked up my Shamrock 23IKSS and it is great except that the coupler is very difficult to release from the ball. I can release the latch fine but the ball won't drop out of the coupler. I'll be working more on it today but wondered if there's a secret to getting the ball to drop ?

[bikendan]

Pull your tow vehicle forward, then uncouple.
The ball needs to be as far forward in the coupler socket.

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Pull your tow vehicle forward, then uncouple.
The ball needs to be as far forward in the coupler socket.

X 2 but make sure to chock the tt wheels. It does not take much of a movement of tow vehicle to release. Also add a little grease to the ball. Later RJD

[Mr Havercamp]

There may be more to it than just pulling forward. Our 2017 Roo 23WS is the same way. I have not had time to deal with it yet but the hitch is the tightest I have ever seen. I'm wondering if its not a 2 5/16" although being marked as such. I have had 4 rvs, 5 boats, and lost count of utility trailers and have never seen one this tight. When you do get it on the ball it takes a hammer to latch it and it appears there is no claw adjustment nut.


I thought my GMC 2500 was going to come off the ground taking it off when I brought it home. I suspect another cheap and substandard part from Lippert components.

[youroo]

After you pull up on the lever you also must pull the lever assy Back also to release the paw! Youroo!! There are (2) movements involved!

[The_Rhino]

Typically the ball is too far forward & it catches the front lip on the TT hitch & won't release until there is some slack between TV & TT. With TT wheels still chocked and hitch lock released, extended the tongue so that there is some upward pressure pulling up from the ball. Then get in the TV and let it coast/move backwards about 1". With windows down you should hear the ball "pop" loose from the tongue.

For a number of years I drove lots of construction-type trailers. NEWER trailers can be a little tight - it's not a design flaw... I used to jump up & down on the bumper to get the ball to release. I don't recommend this unless you KNOW your TT is firmly chocked, you're on level ground, & know how to be safe around heavy equipment. If the TT or TV moves you can get your foot crushed...

[OldCoot]

After you get it uncoupled, look up inside the coupler and loosen the nut about 1/2 turn, if that's not enough go 1/4 turn, etc.

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

After you get it uncoupled, look up inside the coupler and loosen the nut about 1/2 turn, if that's not enough go 1/4 turn, etc.

It doesn't have an adjustment for the claw which left me scratching my head. It is also not catching on the lip anywhere. The entire stamping is that tight on the entire ball like its stamped slightly undersize. It may loosen over time but like I said before having had many trailers, something is amiss with these.

My 2017 was built mid April and I am betting its an issue related to the latest batch of frames as this is not the first I have heard of it on new Roos. Another quality componenent from LCI like the deflecting water tank mounting trays. No sense going to those bozos, you may as well talk to the hitch itself as it will be more helpful and knowledgable.

[aceinspp]

Also look to see how much cant is on the ball. Mine seemed to be more on my equal i ser hitch than my last hitch and does make it a tad bit harder to release. Later RJD

[youroo]

Originally Posted by Mr Havercamp

It doesn't have an adjustment for the claw which left me scratching my head. It is also not catching on the lip anywhere. The entire stamping is that tight on the entire ball like its stamped slightly undersize. It may loosen over time but like I said before having had many trailers, something is amiss with these.

My 2017 was built mid April and I am betting its an issue related to the latest batch of frames as this is not the first I have heard of it on new Roos. Another quality componenent from LCI like the deflecting water tank mounting trays. No sense going to those bozos, you may as well talk to the hitch itself as it will be more helpful and knowledgable.

Hey now,I have "Talked" to lots of Hitchs over the years and have found them to be Dumber than a Anvil! Youroo!!

[OldCoot]

Try a drum sander on the bottom of the socket.

[pxt]

Mine is 2016 year and have the same issues.

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by aceinspp

Also look to see how much cant is on the ball. Mine seemed to be more on my equal i ser hitch than my last hitch and does make it a tad bit harder to release. Later RJD

No cant whatsover here. I dont use a wdh, just a class 5 2 1/2" straight drawbar.....its something related to the manufacture and design of the trailers hitch that LCI used on these frames. It works, its just annoying as hell.

[bareftn]

grease, grease ,grease lots of grease up inside and always pull forward after you caulk your wheels and when you unlatch pull latch lever back as you raise your TT I don't have a problem now

[Nash]

I have this problem every time I go to unhitch. Grease helps but is not the answer for me. When ready to unhitch I pull the pin to the hitch/ hitch receiver in the truck. With the trailer chalked I slowly start to jack the trailer, will see the hitch pull out of the receiver 1/4 to 1/2". At that point I rock the hitch back-and-forth and it the drops out of the coupler. No idea if this is good practice or not, it's just what I've had to do to get it unhitched. Works every time for me

[rockfordroo]

I had the same problem. Now I stand on the hitch and jump up and down so the hitch "bounces" while DW extends the hitch jack. Seems to work most every time.

[AquaMan]

The problem is most likely the pitch of the ball itself. I see a good many washers on the adjustment pin. Raising the tongue will help ease the pinch on the ball. I wouldn't start grinding or sanding on anything. If the hitch slides on easily, it should come off as well.


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[Mr Havercamp]

You can pull forward or back, grind or sand, or raise or lower as high or low as you want but its in the design or manufacturer of the coupler itself that LCI used on these current frames. Not sure if they made it in house or obtained it from a supplier but they are just tight. I'd think the only way to get it to be like a normal one that we're all used to, would be to cut the damn thing off and weld on a new quality one like an Atwood or Fulton instead of the generic junk they used.

[Pill Billy]

Originally Posted by cheeseheadjim

I just picked up my Shamrock 23IKSS and it is great except that the coupler is very difficult to release from the ball. I can release the latch fine but the ball won't drop out of the coupler. I'll be working more on it today but wondered if there's a secret to getting the ball to drop ?

Attachment 107815Attachment 107816

You need to pull the latch up THEN slide it backwards. I have the same trailer.


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[Ray and Ann]

The best tip I've had for getting the coupler to release, or to be able to lock on, for our trailer was from the service manager at the dealer (who came out in the rain to help me ). First, as another has mentioned, make sure the trailer is on flat ground or is chocked. Then put the tow vehicle in neutral so it can relax whatever horizontal tension there is on the ball. This has been a huge help for coupling and uncoupling our Rockwood 8319SS travel trailer.