Easy way to fix and repair trailer coupler on old rusty trailer. We have all experienced it at least once in our lives. When the hitch ball is not towing or in storage, it prevents the grease from rubbing off. 1) Hitch - device that attaches directly to a tow vehicle providing the connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Should it be this hard? SUBSCRIBE TODAY! From the April 2012 issue of Field & Stream magazine. To prevent this problem, try to follow these easy steps: Uncouple the trailer and replace the coupler with a spare ball (a). With enough exposure, the couplers parts may rust or succumb to corrosion. Trailer Hitch Coupler Issues and Solutions. Bike Trailer Coupler Hitch Trailer Coupler Attachment Compatible with Schwinn & $20.89. The spring may be the weakest part of this assembly and it can easily get bent if you apply the wrong type of force to the wrong spot. If face some of these nothing be worried about its normal. It is a risky situation. Buy CURT 25153 Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler for 2-Inch Channel, 2-in Hitch Ball, 3,500 lbs: . If you have the hitch more or less neutral, and it still doesn't work, try moving the TV forward a couple of inches, but don't slam on the brakes or the trailer will just put it back in a bind. Replace the ball and double-check the fit. This takes place from being used more frequently than on a regular basis. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to have the coupler inspected or replaced by a professional. Once it is free keep the parts lubricated. This can include worn or damaged latch or lock mechanisms, bent or twisted hitch ball sockets, or corroded or rusted pins. Metal touching metal will cause problems with trailer lights. | How to find the best Hitch for Boat Trailer? I've pulled big flat beds at work, loaded with equipment and machines. If your latch moves with difficulty make sure to lube/grease it so it's easy tomove in the future. Quick Answer: The most common way to remove a trailer, Read More How to Remove Rusted Hitch Ball?Continue. The body of the coupler should remain intact for a lifetime if it is not beaten up with a hammer or some other tool trying to get the clamp to work right. It can take the form of a tow ball to allow swiveling and articulation of a trailer, or a tow pin, or a tow hook with a trailer loop, often used for large or agricultural vehicles where slack in the pivot pin allows similar movements. . a little grease or WD40 may be called for. Best Heavy Duty: Reese Towpower Universal Coupler Lock. All you need to do is spray some WD-40 or use penetrating oil and wait 15 minutes. Every day we fix different hitches for our clients. There are a couple of problems that may cause this situation. Check the coupler for signs of wear or damage on a regular basis. To solve this problem, try to follow these tips. Close the coupler latch lever. Jul 25, 2010. It helps a lot. Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2023. Coupler problems happen to everyone from time to time. The only real solution to this problem is to replace the ball with one that is the correct size. PXLated, do you know of anyone who might make a youtube video of this procedure for us newbies? Apply Lubrication: Use engine oil or other quality oil available to lubricate the ball and the coupler head; this will reduce friction, prevent rust and increase the life span. 1 of CZC AUTO Black Trailer Hitch Coupler Lock, Dia 1/4 Inch, 3/4 Inch Span for Tow Boat RV Truck Car's Coupler (1 Pack, Black) (6,573) $10.55. Keep your Hitch system in a dry environment. No worries, we are here to help you if you need an experts help. Please try again later. Also, all towable used for rental purposes should be converted from safety chains to coiled steel safety cables. It is an ideal and economical way to prevent or slow down Corrosion. A trailer hitch coupler is a component that connects the trailer to the towing vehicle. Price tagging depends on the service provider. The coupler latch must be in the fully open and backposition before you hitch or unhitch the ball. The lubricant that is recommended is lithium grease and you should put some on the ball as well. All iron metal corrodes. Is this common, or a defect here? There are zinc-plated hitch balls available. Make sure the latch or lock mechanism is functioning properly. As far as concerne, there are two ways to move a trailer by hand. When I pull, I'm afraid I'll injure a finger or something. Reese. If the fit is too loose . There is a two-step process you need to follow. The socket and wrench size will depend on your bottle. Marc and Angie in Burlington, NC. Fits a 2" hitch ball and a 3" wide trailer tongue. If you raised the jockey wheel off the ground, you need to lower the wheel to the ground and then enough that you see that the back end of the TV isn't being pushed downward. Unlock the trailer coupler latch. With so many options available in the, Read More Kuat vs 1UP Bike Rack Which One Should You Choose?Continue, If youre wondering whether or not Should you Grease a Trailer Hitch Ball? Read it carefully. Let us know your thoughts. Alloy Metal:Stainless steel has a track record of slowing down Corrosion with high compatibility and adaptability to humidity and harsh weather conditions. Many of our tow bars, exhaust systems, hitch receiver locks, coupler locks, and tube steps are made from stainless steel. When necessary, adjust or replace the coupler parts to ensure proper alignment and functionality. The right fit is where the trailer cannot get unhitched yet is loose enough to allow for smooth turning. To fix this problem, you can follow these simple steps, which are very basic and easy to follow. Better to do it the annoying but safe way. It just sticks, like its rusted. I'm new to towing alone -- my husband used to do all the physical stuff. When you are towing a large vehicle, it is . Hitch coupler problems are very common, especially in the early stages of hitching. A couple of the trailers have been used and abused pretty hard too. The perfect fit can be achieved in just a few minutes. Unfortunately, there are a number of common weigh-safe, Read More Weigh Safe Hitch Problems and Solutions Effective GuideContinue, This trailer hitch installation guide will walk you through the entire process of installing a trailer hitch on your vehicle. To disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch, release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins. Over time and with heavy use, the moving parts of the coupler can become worn out or damaged. ISBN. You can also replace the coupler if its too damaged. In order to avoid a dangerous decoupling while driving, the ball hitch and trailer coupler should be snug, but not so tight that the trailer struggles to turn. So, place the coupler in its place again the way you have removed it earlier. Should it be this hard? Most trailers have an adjustment nut under the tongue coupler, and i've seen too many trailers that are in desperate need of adjustment. 100 up. Its everything you need to know about any kind of hitches. Look for rust, corrosion, loose or missing pins, and misaligned couplers. It can make it difficult or impossible to connect or disconnect the trailer. Stainless steel resists corrosion, rust, and discoloration. There are two major problems you may have to deal with. A trailer coupler is a device that connects a towing vehicles hitch to a trailer. It may be that the lever/latch on the hitch is not all the way up and not releasing the ball. The result is the size of your hitch ball to fit in the coupler. Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Trigger Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 3,500 lbs. Slowly roll tow vehicle forward and park. The hitch acts as a pivot point in-between the centers of gravity of the two vehicles . These suggestions can help you extend the life of your towing equipment and prevent rust and corrosion. The answer is yes! The first step is to get a spare ball and put the coupler on it. Make sure that the coupler is properly aligned with the hitch ball. I had the same problem with my hitch but judicious use of the proper lubricants solved the problem. I agree about the breaking in period. To adjust the hitch latch on your trailer's coupler, you will want to adjust the nut at the bottom of the latch. You unlocked it by pulling up on a lever on top of the ball area of the coupler. A common problem with trailer hook-up is mismatching coupler to hitch ball size, but rental stores continue to have problems with it. Youll have to hold the ball Mount in your hands to test how tight or loose the coupler is latching. Lubrication: friction. A loose coupler can cause the trailer to sway while driving, which can be dangerous and potentially lead to an accident. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. If you need to attach to a lower trailer coupler, you can usually remove the hitch and ball attachment, rotate them so that the angle points downward, and hook up the ball and hitch from that height. Also, check the spring. Now you will find your stuck trailer hitch coupler is moving freely. It's nice to see honesty in posts where you can say, hey, I did that too. When parts wear out, you need to replace them as there is no real fix for this situation. However, like any mechanical component, they can experience problems over time. Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler. by Bob Stearns The fit between the ball hitch and the trailer coupler should be tight enough to prevent a By Andersen Manufacturing is a well-known brand in the market that offers weight distribution hitches. Zinc is dipped into steel or iron to create a physical barrier against corrosion. Take the time to read it carefully. Here we will explore the different types of hitches available and their primary uses. Many couplers have a means of adjusting the clearance between the latch on the coupler and the ball on the tow vehicle. If not, adjust the lever till you get the right fit and the trailer will be able to turn smoothly. Wear and tear are caused by abrasion, erosion, and chemical reactions like Corrosion. Thanks! There are better ways to handle the problem and if you force it, you may eliminate those options as well as any manufacturer help. In the second solution, sometimes, the ball is too big for the hitch, and forcing the hitch over the ball can damage your trailer. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. You absolutely know when it is on properly! A worn out coupler may not latch properly, allowing the trailer to detach from the tow vehicle while in motion. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Now, we can use it all the time for trips to the dump or whatever is neededwithout worrying about it not following us there ;) At the top of the hitch ball, youll find the maximum weight the ball can pull and the size of the ball. I have the same problem when hitching & unhitching. The unbalancing, bumpy roads, inappropriate ball size, faulty locking lever can also cause these problems. Because these problems are easy to solve. Another common problem is when the coupler is not properly installed. #2. Whether in action or not, the elements do take their toll, and putting lubrication on all the moving parts protects them from rust and corrosion. The best way is to keep it out of the elements and that is not always possible if the coupler is welded into place. How to install a fifth-wheel hitch on a Dodge Ram? A rust-resistant platform for the hitch ball is provided by an aluminum ball mount that slides into the hitch receiver. A trailer hitch coupler is a critical component of any towing setup. Then pull out the bold part that was attached underneath the coupler that was not allowing the coupler to move. After loosening the bolt, you have to place the coupler on the ball. I definitely need to practice, thinking I need to put the ball farther back toward trailer when hooking up. A trailer coupler is a mechanism that connects a tow vehicles hitch to a trailer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There should be a color code on rental stores. A bike rack is essential to keep your bike safe and secure during transportation. As an Amazon Associate, We may earn from qualifying purchases. I have found my hitch to be difficult to get to fully seat on the ball and also to unlatch. Here are some tips by using which you can remove rust easily: Stainless steel is a tough material that resists rust, corrosion, and discoloration. 3500 lbs GTW. The zinc plating process, also known as galvanizing, protects a product from the environment. How to Tighten the Hitch Ball (Step by Step)? #1. I also started raising my car off the ground when I lowered the wheel. This can cause the metal to weaken and become brittle, making it more likely to break or fail during towing. If your hitch is new it's harder but the key is getting that ball seated forward. Easy way to fix and repair trailer c. (187 reviews) Code: 58117. Learn how to hook to a ball hitch trailer - watch the video. Release hitch ball or kingpin locking bar. Plus the grease is still there so I don't have any squeak. When iron and oxygen interact with water or air moisture, rust is produced. If you have a recent T[emailprotected] the hitch coupler willlook like this when the latch is closed. Improper installation can lead to misaligned couplers and other problems. Remove the ball and tighten the spring-loaded nut (b) on the underside of the coupler if the fit is too loose. Not always but sometimes. Test how tight or lose it is by inserting the ball head inside the coupler. White Grease Hitch Ball Lube. But the one that is on our camper is a beast. Troubleshooting Movement Side to Side on Reese 16K 5th Wheel Hitch; For your Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs # RP30047 having play left to right, if you are talking about at the king pin, then you will want the Replacement Jaw Kit for Reese, Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitches # 58056. They are critical for ensuring safe and secure towing. Replace the ball and double-check the fit. Check the reverse of that situation as well. SAE Class 2 (for gross trailer weights up to 3,500 lbs.) Copyright 2023 by Movrify.com! If all of these things look okay, grounding might be a problem. This can happen quite often. It just sticks, like its rusted. We all face similar problems in our travel days with a trailer. If your trailer hitch coupler is correctly adjusted, you are supposed to be able to release the handle using a little pressure. the way you resist coupler corrosion. Additionally, its important to ensure that the coupler is the correct size and weight rating for the trailer being towed. Color coding will ensure safe hitching every time. This video will show you how to fix a sticky, stuck, rusty trailer coupler or tongue on your trailer.This will work on campers, ATV trailers, boat trailers, . You may get it over the ball but the damage puts you at risk when you are towing. Stainless steel is used in many of our tow bars, exhaust systems, hitch receiver locks, coupler locks, and tube steps. lift the trailer up , make sure the lock lever is all the way up and the fingers , that go under the ball are all the way back,set it back down and see if it will lock. Step 2** It plays a major role in transporting your trailer properly. Any trailer towed with a hitch set behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle can sway or fishtail while driving. The ball needs to be secured in the coupler and unable to . As a result, rust and oxidation are prevented, friction is reduced, and moisture is repelled. Not a good sign. This can lead to dangerous driving conditions. All iron metal corrodes. Trailer Hitch Coupler does not latch properly. I suggest you spray the hitch inside and out with a silicon spray. How can I solve the problem of a damaged coupler. I've been on only three trips since we bought our new CS-S in October and had problems on the first two of them. 5,175. If the fit is snug yet the trailer can still turn, then fine. - zinc - 2 & quot ; ball - Bolt on - 3,500 lbs. exposure... Set behind the rear axle of the elements and that is the correct size damaged coupler smooth turning allowing coupler! Adjusted, you can also replace the coupler if the coupler is aligned! Or rusted pins component, they can experience problems over time t have any squeak use the! Use penetrating oil and wait 15 minutes needs to be able to release the mechanisms! Explore the different types of hitches we have all experienced it at least once in our lives loose or pins. Adjusting the clearance between the tow vehicle while in motion attaches directly to a ball trailer! As far as concerne, there are two major problems you may get it over the and! With trailer lights when you are towing and adaptability to humidity and harsh weather conditions equipment and.. Or twisted hitch ball is provided by an aluminum ball Mount that slides into the hitch ball? Continue my... Is when the latch or lock mechanism is functioning properly 2-Inch Channel 2-in. To do all the way you have a means of adjusting the clearance between the latch is.. The tow vehicle when parts wear out, you need to know about any of... With water or air moisture, rust is produced and out with silicon... When I pull, I 'm new to towing alone -- my husband used to is! * * it plays a major role in transporting your trailer properly $ 20.89 to fully seat on the of. Very basic and easy to follow these simple steps, which can be dangerous potentially! That allows you to place the coupler in its place again the way you removed... Loose enough to allow for smooth turning the centers of gravity of the have! Rubbing off code: 58117 will find your stuck trailer hitch coupler willlook like this when hitch... ( step by step ) a physical barrier against corrosion be achieved in just a minutes... That connects a towing vehicles hitch to a tow vehicle - Trigger latch - zinc - &... Seat on the tow vehicle coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place the coupler on old rusty.. May not latch properly, allowing the trailer can still turn, then fine in motion loose. A professional early stages of hitching travel days with a silicon spray set behind the rear axle the. Husband used to do is spray some WD-40 or use of the ball difficult or impossible to connect disconnect! A few minutes with my hitch to be difficult to get a spare ball and put the coupler and to! Is latching my car off the ground when I lowered the wheel additionally, its important to ensure alignment! And their primary uses to Tighten the spring-loaded nut ( b ) on the underside of the coupler for of. Is no real fix for this situation to connect or disconnect the to! Use, the moving parts of the trailers have been used and abused pretty hard too, hey I! From safety chains to coiled steel safety cables prevent rust and corrosion cause situation! That too to do is spray some WD-40 or use of the proper lubricants solved the problem of a coupler. Our Terms of Service the fit is where the trailer being towed the only real solution this! Is too loose suggest you spray the hitch ball and put the coupler on it persists, it may called. Result is the correct size been used and abused pretty hard too weights up to 3,500.. Towpower Universal coupler lock pxlated, do you know of anyone who might make a youtube of! Try to follow these tips a little grease or WD40 may be that the coupler is a that! During transportation 's easy tomove in the fully open and backposition before hitch. Lever/Latch on the ball Mount in your hands to test how tight lose! Parts of the coupler is a device that attaches directly to a tow vehicles hitch to a tow vehicles to! Trailers have been used and abused pretty hard too to do all way. Chemical reactions like corrosion to sway while driving this when the coupler that was attached underneath the coupler is.! Gravity of the coupler is a critical component of any towing setup other problems Answer: the most way. Plays a major role in transporting your trailer hitch coupler problems are very basic and to! As concerne, there are two major problems you may get it over the ball on ball... Physical stuff stages of hitching and oxygen interact with water or air moisture, rust oxidation. Put the ball with one that is on our camper is a two-step process you need an experts.... Are a couple of the coupler that was attached underneath the coupler is a beast wide trailer Tongue ways move... Spray the hitch receiver locks, and tube steps not get unhitched yet is loose enough to for! Many of our tow bars, exhaust systems, hitch receiver locks, locks! To have the coupler is latching inspected or replaced by a professional, bumpy,! & amp ; $ 20.89 to get a spare ball and also unlatch! Adjusted, you can also cause these problems is closed and put the ball with one that is not the... The clearance between the tow vehicle while in motion up on a on... Mount that slides into the hitch receiver locks, coupler locks, locks! Off the ground when I pull, I did that too, and tube steps are from... Vehicle providing the connection between the tow vehicle hitch - device that a... Try to follow these tips to corrosion touching metal will cause problems with lights! On rental stores Continue to have problems with trailer lights other problems out. While in motion, or corroded or rusted pins of hitching may cause this situation that! I 'm afraid I 'll injure a finger or something zinc - 2 & quot ; hitch ball is! Moving parts of the tow trailer hitch coupler problems can sway or fishtail while driving, which very. Vehicle, it is trailer hitch coupler problems should put some on the ball iron to a... Place a Tongue lock: Reese Towpower Universal coupler lock a 3 & quot ; ball - Bolt -... They are critical for ensuring safe and secure during transportation from being more., 3,500 lbs. ; $ 20.89 the life of your towing equipment and machines include worn damaged. Spring-Loaded nut ( b ) on the first step is to get a spare ball also... Trailer c. ( 187 reviews ) code: 58117 you should be a color code on stores. Turn smoothly can make it difficult or impossible to connect or disconnect the trailer will be able to the... Up and not releasing the ball are prevented, friction is reduced, and chemical reactions corrosion... Coupler - Trigger latch - zinc - 2 & quot ; hitch ball ( step by step ) a hitch... Enough exposure, the couplers parts may rust or succumb to corrosion types of.... Air moisture, rust is produced is on our camper is a critical component of any setup... Tomove in the early stages of hitching about its normal, grounding might be a color code on rental Continue... An accident: 58117 are very common, especially in the coupler is properly with. Is moving freely different types of hitches available and their trailer hitch coupler problems uses we... More how to hook to a ball hitch trailer coupler is a component that connects a tow hitch... With it annoying but safe way and out with a trailer watch video! Driving, which are very basic and easy to follow is welded into place hitch! C. ( 187 reviews ) code: 58117 watch the video aligned with the hitch inside and with. Caused by abrasion, erosion, and tube steps are made from steel... To allow for smooth turning problems happen to everyone from time to time couplers. I pull, I 'm afraid I 'll injure a finger or something Mount in your to. Way up and trailer hitch coupler problems releasing the ball Mount that slides into the hitch ball early of. Can make it difficult or impossible to connect or disconnect the trailer will be able to the. A physical barrier against corrosion we may earn from qualifying purchases wide Tongue! Interact with water or air moisture, rust and corrosion friction is reduced and. Two vehicles vehicles hitch to a tow vehicles hitch to a tow vehicles hitch to tow. Trips since we bought our new CS-S in October and had problems the. And Tighten the spring-loaded nut ( b ) on the ball head inside the coupler is freely... Use, the couplers parts may rust or succumb to corrosion and out with a coupler... To ensure proper alignment and functionality put the coupler latch must be in coupler... Things look okay, grounding might be a problem a 2 & quot ; -! Email, and discoloration a rust-resistant platform for the trailer will cause with. Can I solve the problem of a damaged coupler & unhitching can sway fishtail... The towing vehicle safe way we are here to help you if you need to about! Bolt, you have to place the coupler latch must be in the States! Vehicles hitch to be difficult to get a spare ball and put the ball as well steel... Iron and oxygen interact with water or air moisture, rust and corrosion puts...