Roo 21SS coupler issue

[Glenn Mc]

Hi all, newbie here with a new 21SS.

Unfortunately I didn't get to see the trailer being hooked up to the truck on delivery day (I was backing the truck ), so my first experience was when we got home. After removing the WDH bars and lowering the trailer back down, I could NOT get the coupler to release (lift and slide back the latch, right?). Only after a few gentle taps with a rubber mallet would it release. Same for re-hooking as part of practicing - had to use the mallet to get the latch to close.

Suggestions? I greased the latch, but do I smother the ball in grease?

Thanks for any and all suggestions - I'm sure this will not be my first newbie post!

[Underthedog]

You may need to ease your TV forward to release any pressure. The ball should 'lean' against the front of the coupler rather than the back.

[NavyLCDR]

Agreed. The tow vehicle needs to be moved forward.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Underthedog

You may need to ease your TV forward to release any pressure. The ball should 'lean' against the front of the coupler rather than the back.

x3!

[Chuck_S]

The coupler will decouple better in tension -- with some forward pressure from the truck. Just the opposite when coupling. The coupler should have to reach for the ball -- the trailer will slide very slightly forward or the truck back. Talking a 1/4 inch here. Note where the coupler was when it uncoupled in tension.

-- Chuck

[mnoland30]

From the hammer marks on mine, I believe mine was damaged by a previous owner. I keep a claw hammer in the battery box to pry it open, and a rubber mallet to close it. If your's isn't already damaged, follow the advice above or buy a couple of hammers.

[Chuck_S]

Or replace the coupler, they're just welded on.

-- Chuck

[NavyLCDR]

When I bought my first trailer the dealer told me, "I've seen people beat coupler latches with hammers, pry them with screwdrivers and tire irons, jump up and down on the bumper. But you know what really works? Just move the truck an inch, usually forward. If you can't work the latch easily by hand, your truck just needs to be moved a little bit and it's a whole lot easier than all the things I've seen people do."

[AlaskaErik]

My coupler used to be sticky, but some judicious application of white lithium spray lube made it work a whole lot better and ended my sticking problem. I tried repositioning the truck, but that didn't work for me.

[NavyLCDR]

Originally Posted by AlaskaErik

My coupler used to be sticky, but some judicious application of white lithium spray lube made it work a whole lot better and ended my sticking problem. I tried repositioning the truck, but that didn't work for me.

But you did find a permanent solution other than beating it with a hammer or jumping up and down on the bumper...

[Glenn Mc]

Thanks all for the suggestions. The first camping trip was a success! The coupler co-operated without need for the mallet. I think a combination of some grease and re-positioning the TV are things to remember

[Dobbs]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

The coupler will decouple better in tension -- with some forward pressure from the truck. Just the opposite when coupling. The coupler should have to reach for the ball -- the trailer will slide very slightly forward or the truck back. Talking a 1/4 inch here. Note where the coupler was when it uncoupled in tension.

-- Chuck

I agree with the 1/4". I've found that just leaning against the tailgate and a little push is sometimes all that is needed to couple/un-couple. Plus just plain use the trailer! Our first time with our new trailer things were difficult. Just got back from our fifth weekend and it works so much better.
Happy camping!