Roo 19 hitching tips/tricks

[jehrbear]

I'm a new Roo owner, the handful of times I've hitched up I've had a heck of a time getting the latch to close on the ball, usually having to subscribe to blunt force....is there a trick to this style of trailer hitch?

2015 Roo 19
Equalizer 600/6000
2 5/16 equalizer brand ball
2007 Silver-Ray-doh




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[jehrbear]

To be specific, the trouble is when I attempt to lock the hitch onto the ball. Disconnect is stiff but not nearly as painful.

Thanks in advance,

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[JustB_Rad]

get in the TV and put it in nuetral to let it roll just slightly forward (unless you're going uphill, then use drive) just until the ball hits the front of the coupler and it should go down very easily.

[jehrbear]

Good tip, I'll try that, although I probably need to find the manual too, see if there's an adjustment, or it needs grease (or since its new, just a rough break in period).


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[bikendan]

Most common reason for your issue, is the ball is too far back in the coupler.
As was suggested, let the TV roll forward so the ball is as forward in the coupler as possible.

[jking46]

No need to grease the ball. If the latch mechanism itself is still stiff , suggest you spray with a lube . I use Slick 50. Better than WD 40 and not as oily. Not much residue.

[Electra glide]

Hopefully this diagram helps. You need to have the ball as far forward as possible for the latch to go down.

[urocav2001]

I have my coupler angled forward just a little bit, comes on and off nicely, occasionally I'll have to drive forward a bit to get it to come off after backing


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[TheGreatWaz00]

I agree, let the TV roll forward. But I also greased the hitch ball and that improved the smoothness of closing the latch.

[rsdata]

when backing up to latch have your helper stop you just a quarter inch forward from being under the ball coupler... when you let the coupler down, the trailer will move forward to drop on the ball that 1/4 inch and the latch will work easily... make sure you remove your FORWARD facing wheel chocks to let the camper pull forward that 1/4 inch

[caper]

If you want to grease the ball use wax paper on the ball when attaching hitch. No grease to worry about and does help when hitching and unhitching.

[jehrbear]

Good stuff, thanks.
I'll be trying all the above tomorrow when she heads back to her parking spot.
I worked at a rental yard for many years, hitched up a good variety of trailers, and this one has me a little frustrated. I'm sure I'll get the rhythm after a few trys.
Took delivery a month ago, 3 trips in the books, 2 more planned


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[JustB_Rad]

Originally Posted by rsdata

when backing up to latch have your helper stop you just a quarter inch forward from being under the ball coupler... when you let the coupler down, the trailer will move forward to drop on the ball that 1/4 inch and the latch will work easily... make sure you remove your FORWARD facing wheel chocks to let the camper pull forward that 1/4 inch

I would not advise moving the chocks until the coupler is on the ball....especially if parked on a slope.

[PenJoe]

The biggest problem with this style hitch is that the back (movable part that you can't see) has a tendency to hang up on the ball. One way is to hold the lever as far back (up) as you can. while lowering onto the ball.

Keep the TT wheels choked when doing this method. I try to position so that the front of the ball is slightly behind (just off the top flat surface) at the front of trailer hitch socket. As you lower the TT onto the hitch it slides slightly forward over the ball and then pulls back and seats because of the chocks. There is just enough play to allow this much movement. If you have not done this and the ball is properly in the socket, keep the TT wheels chocked and pull forward with the TV just enough (about an inch) to bump the front of the ball with the front of the socket. The lever mechanism should seat easily.The ball has to be far forward for the mechanism to seat properly.

One other tip if you have a backup camera on your TV. Lining up on a hitch when everything is black is hard to see on the camera monitor. A bright contrasting color would act to pinpoint the hitch cup. Paint the very front of your TT hitch, approximately where the high point of the ball would be seated. I have used international orange on 4 trailers. There was enough contrast to spot the hitch, but I just tried white. You can see the color for a good distance, even in limited light.

[bareftn]

Why do people feel you don't need to grease the ball? you have constant movement on the hitch when driving both up and down (meaning as you hit a bump in the road or pulling in a driveway your front end goes up rear goes down) and in turns why have steel on steel rubbing and wear?

[rootree]

Great tips. I am a new 233S owner and I have struggled with this coupler but mostly un-hitching. I am glad to see the tips and suggestions.

[jehrbear]

grease/no grease, there's a ton of opinions on the web that could confuse anyone.
I'm in the "yes grease" camp, but haven't hit this new one yet which makes me a hypocrite
I've only got Molly in the garage, picking up white lithium tonight just for that reason.
Unhitching was harsh the first couple times, it's getting broke in. I've wd40'd the latch area, betting that, a little white grease, and these tips will keep me from beating on it with a hammer from now on. (Ok, love tapping....)

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[PenJoe]

Originally Posted by rootree

Great tips. I am a new 233S owner and I have struggled with this coupler but mostly un-hitching. I am glad to see the tips and suggestions.

As per my above post, unhitching would be a bit in reverse. The ball is seated into the front of the TT hitch cup. As you are cranking the travel trailer jack, the TV rear bumper is lifting with it. Crank up a few turns allowing the TV bumper to lift. Put the TV in reverse and ever so slightly back up. With your TT hitch in the open position, the TV ball will drop out of the cup. Crank the TT up to clear the ball and drive out from under it.

[jehrbear]

Problem solved. Little grease along with popping the ball up forward into the socket, which seem very minor, cause it to work like it should.....Thanks all!

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[Milktrk]

Glad to hear a positive outcome!