It is an ideal and economical way to prevent or slow down Corrosion. There is also a videofor the Atwood Trailer Coupler. No worries, we are here to help you if you need an experts help. Its very common to face problems in your hitch coupler, especially in the early days of your hitching life. If this doesn't work, apply lubricant to the hitch and try to lighten . : to save time, give similar colours to a ball size and a fitting coupler to a ball size and a suitable coupler. I have found my hitch to be difficult to get to fully seat on the ball and also to unlatch. Required fields are marked *. You can only do so much adjustment before replacement is the cure. When you expose your hitch coupler to causative elements such as wetness, harsh weathering, and more, youll risk Corrosion which may lead to difficulty in hitch movement and trailer control. A trailer coupler is a device that connects a towing vehicles hitch to a trailer. Additionally, its important to ensure that the coupler is the correct size and weight rating for the trailer being towed. Over time and with heavy use, the moving parts of the coupler can become worn out or damaged. One is to use a hand truck and the other is to use an A-frame jack. In order to fix this problem, you have to make the two bolts lose by half a turn with the socket and wrench. Or you can spray some WD-40 over those parts and see if that loosens the parts up so they will work normally. Applying a protective coating on the coupler, such as wax or oil can also help slow down the process of rust and corrosion. Never had trouble with the coupler. EAN. It's nice to see honesty in posts where you can say, hey, I did that too. Can you put a trailer hitch on a Chevy Trax? This will prevent overloading the coupler which can cause it to fail. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And because a ball-and-coupler connection has more swivel than a standard fifth-wheel hitch, you'll be able to more easily hook up your trailer on uneven ground. A trailer hitch couplers purpose is to secure the trailer to the ball mount. Mark - 2016 T@b Max S (Silver/Red), 2012 F-150. I have the same problem when hitching & unhitching. And yes, one thing is its better to be advanced every time. Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2023. I have attached a diagram showing you the location of the nut that you will want to adjust. All you need to do is spray some WD-40 or use penetrating oil and wait 15 minutes. Here, you'll learn how to solve common trailer hitch coupler problems and prevent them from happening. The unbalancing, bumpy roads, inappropriate ball size, faulty locking lever can also cause these problems. If you dont then you are asking for trouble. Do not move the trailer to the tow vehicle. Does Flat Towing Add Miles To a Car? Greetings from Colorado from someone who had the same problem with a utility trailer. Unlock the trailer coupler latch. Accessories and Parts. Buy CURT 25153 Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler for 2-Inch Channel, 2-in Hitch Ball, 3,500 lbs: . Remove the latch pin from the trailer coupler and lift the latch upwards to unlock it. If your latch moves with difficulty make sure to lube/grease it so it's easy tomove in the future. Disengage vehicle parking brake. It plays a major role in transporting your trailer properly. Making sure your couplers moving parts are well-maintained help you avoid those problems. Many couplers have a means of adjusting the clearance between the latch on the coupler and the ball on the tow vehicle. Damp or cold environment boost corrosion (iron rust). So besides running our Hitch store here in Poland, we also write the hitch accessories tips and guidelines on this website. Kuat vs 1UP Bike Rack Which One Should You Choose? Make sure the coupler is installed according to the manufacturers instructions and using the proper size and type of hitch ball. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! TowSmart Trailer Coupler Lock Kit - 1-7/8, 2, and 2-5/16 Couplers w/ Hitch Lock & Coupler Lock part number TS84FR can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service. I've pulled big flat beds at work, loaded with equipment and machines. Then, you should rotate the handle of your coupler backward until the handle is in the locked position. Zinc plating, often known as galvanizing, is a procedure that protects a product from the environment. We are always here to support you. Isn't the movement to remove the coupler from the ball to pull up first, then slide back? Everything you need to know before hunting raccoons, Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. Corrosion is a significant. In the second solution, sometimes, the ball is too big for the hitch, and forcing the hitch over the ball can damage your trailer. Haven't cussed at my hitch in a very long time :-). Your email address will not be published. Most trailers have an adjustment nut under the tongue coupler, and i've seen too many trailers that are in desperate need of adjustment. November 2017. Read More How to move a trailer by hand?Continue, The maximum towing capacity of Chrysler Pacifica is from 1000 pounds to3600 poundswhen you have an available3.6L Turbocharged Engine (2008-2022 Models). But sometimes, replacing the whole assembly is the best way to go. If you are having trailer hitch coupler problems, the best thing to do is not to force the solution. However, all machines have their pain points. It just sticks, like its rusted. A coupler that has not been properly installed is another common problem. Too much force can bend or break a vital part and then you need to buy a new coupler or parts for it. The first thing you need to verify is whether the handle is moving freely or not. Just a point of clarification: when you say you cranked up the jockey wheel, do you mean cranked it up off the ground? The perfect fit can be achieved in just a few minutes. (Can I Adjust The Pin Box? #2. I also started raising my car off the ground when I lowered the wheel. When I bent over to look closer, I leaned against the truck, that was just enough to cause trailer to drop on the ball, scared the heck out of me when it dropped on. There are some problems, however, that are common to all, and people get confused about how to deal with them. All iron metal corrodes. Color coding will ensure safe hitching every time. Check the coupler for signs of wear or damage on a regular basis. If your trailer hitch coupler is not properly latching or aligning, you should check that the locking mechanism is functioning properly. If the ball mount cant stay in position after the coupler hatch has been locked, its too loose. Aluminum is a lightweight metal that is naturally corrosion-resistant. It looks like you're new here. Regular inspection and maintenance of your coupler can help ensure that it is in good working condition and keep you and your trailer safe while on the road. Over time, the latch can become worn out and fail to hold the coupler securely. Paint the hitch Coupler: painting hides the metal from direct exposure to wetness, other weather conditions, and causative elements. The best way to do it is using a C-clamp. Many towing items, such as hand winches, jacks, and couplers, are manufactured with corrosion-resistant materials. When it comes to towing a trailer, ensuring a secure connection between the hitch and the ball is crucial for safety. Lubrication: friction. The right fit is where you get a secure clamping of the coupler on the ball yet the trailer can smoothly keep turning when your tow vehicle turns. Youll have to hold the ball Mount in your hands to test how tight or loose the coupler is latching. If you lowered the jockey wheel to the ground, try lowering it slightly. Our Price: $14.12. It might SEEM like it is tight, but check the nut under the coupler, it probably isn't. H. Correctly installing the trailer hitch coupler to the hitch ball is vital for safety and It causes metal to expand and wear off. Does not apply. Do not expose the metal directly to wetness or other weather conditions that may cause Corrosion. After waiting fifteen minutes, try the handle again and see if it has loosened up. Heres how to achieve the perfect fit in just a few minutes. because theyre usually made of iron metal. One is wear and tear. 24/7 we solve any problem. Uncouple the trailer and insert a spare ball into the coupler (a). Nothing to worry about, its good to take the help of an expert or we are here to help you. You can also replace the coupler if its too damaged. If that has worn out or has been bent, etc., then the coupler may not latch onto the ball. Rust and oxidation are prevented, friction is reduced, and moisture is repelled. The hitches that hook into them often have angled pieces that tilt up. If the fit is too loose, remove the ball, and tighten the spring-loaded nut (b) on the underside of the coupler. The answer is yes! Before this job, Aus hated towing this trailer because he was scared it might pop off the hitch of the truck. Bought a coupler repair kit from tractor supply and we fixed it in under 5 minutes! Then, you should lubricate it regularly. Trailer Hitch Coupler Problems & Solutions. There are better ways to handle the problem and if you force it, you may eliminate those options as well as any manufacturer help. There is a two-step process you need to follow. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But often people face some problems which are common to all and get confused about what to do. Uncouple the trailer and insert a spare ball into the coupler (a). 3200 Andersen Manufacturing Ultimate 5th-Wheel Connection - 20,000 lbs GVWR - 4,500 lbs TW Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Trailer Hitch Coupler Problems and Solutions: Since the coupler has few moving parts, the solution to this problem is the same as other problems. Marc and Angie in Burlington, NC. This means checking that the coupler is securely fastened to the hitch ball, that the latch or lock mechanism is engaged and that the pins are securely in place. The Max Coupler simply slid into the female receiver hitch section and could be pinned in place using a 58-inch hitch pin. You also can paint and clean your coupler at that time. As prevention is better than cure, if you know about the problem before it occurs, then very simply these problems wont occur. The lubricant that is recommended is lithium grease and you should put some on the ball as well. Trailer, Guide On How to Lift Boat Off Trailer To Replace Bunks, How to Load a Boat on a Roller Trailer Step by Step Guide, What You Should Know About Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes. However, budget at least $150 $300 for professional installation. Trailer Hitch Coupler Problems & Solutions. Trailer Hitch Coupler Issues and Solutions, 4 Best Trailer Hitches for Subaru Outback, 3 Point Quick trailer Hitch 2022 Review. Hitch Ball and Coupler Grease. 1. What is the equipment needed to install the trailer Hitch? It's the control mechanism that holds a trailer to a van. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Disclaimer: We may earn a small commission from sponsored links in this article at no additional cost to you. (187 reviews) Code: 58117. Retail: $22.78. 100 up. One(Coupler corrosion) always leads to the other (wear and tear). In order to get your stuck coupler going, you need to take a pin and pass it through the hole you will find where the coupler remains attached. It is something you have to work at and learn the feel. It helps a lot. Should it be this hard? Regular lubrication keeps rust and corrosion away. Completed successfully, a notice on the screen reads, "Alignment complete. You must first calculate the towing capacity and maximum tongue weight of your car and calculate the weight of your trailer properly before buying a coupler. Signs of rust and corrosion include discoloration of the metal, flaking or peeling paint, and a rough or pitted surface. A notice on the screen reads, & quot ; Alignment complete of truck..., that are common to face problems in your hands to test how tight loose! 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