This can be caused by not installing the coupler according to the manufacturers instructions, using the wrong size coupler, or not properly securing the coupler to the trailer. The second major problem will be the elements. After passing the pin, the coupler will come out. If the coupler is not installed properly, it can cause the coupler to become disconnected from the hitch ball while towing, which can lead to dangerous driving conditions. Read Also: Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch Problems and Solutions. 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. This can lead to dangerous driving conditions. With enough exposure, the couplers parts may rust or succumb to corrosion. White Grease Hitch Ball Lube. 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. Here are some preventive measures that can help keep your trailer hitch coupler in good working condition: To prevent rust and corrosion on your trailer hitch coupler, you should clean and lubricate it regularly, and keep it covered when not in use. The zinc plating process, also known as galvanizing, protects a product from the environment. Disengage vehicle parking brake. Here are Four major trailer hitch coupler problems and all-time solutions that work. Nothing to worry about, its good to take the help of an expert or we are here to help you. If you lowered the jockey wheel to the ground, try lowering it slightly. 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. Some majortrailer hitch coupler problemsare Coupler misalignment, corrosion, wrong sizing, and wear & tear. However, budget at least $150 $300 for professional installation. Many towing items, such as hand winches, jacks, and couplers, are manufactured with corrosion-resistant materials. If you are having trailer hitch coupler problems, the best thing to do is not to force the solution. I definitely need to practice, thinking I need to put the ball farther back toward trailer when hooking up. Never had trouble with the coupler. To solve the problem of a damaged coupler, you should inspect the coupler for any signs of damage and replace it if necessary. Then pull out the bold part that was attached underneath the coupler that was not allowing the coupler to move. Our Price: $38.83. These suggestions can help you extend the life of your towing equipment and prevent rust and corrosion. 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, snowmobile trailers, utility trailers Etc.DisclaimerOur videos are for entertainment purposes only. When that happens the metal parts inside may rust in a certain position keeping you from putting the coupler over the ball. If that is the case, you will have to go out and get the right-sized ball. Another common problem is when the coupler is not properly installed. Keep in mind that you should check the coupler for tightness on the ball for hassle-free towing. Now you will find your stuck trailer hitch coupler is moving freely. 03-31-2009, 09:31 PM. However, choosing the right bike rack can be a challenging task. Lose the ball Mount from the hitch receiver. To prevent rust and corrosion, its important to clean and lubricate the coupler regularly and keep it covered when not in use. The coiled wires not only look great, but they also last considerably longer because they dont drag. A trailer coupler is a mechanism that connects a tow vehicles hitch to a trailer. It will allow your trailer hitch coupler to move back and forth easily. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. How can I solve the problem of a corroded coupler? Then, put a little bit of marine grease on it to make your coupler move easily. Step 2** If that has worn out or has been bent, etc., then the coupler may not latch onto the ball. Close the latch lever on the coupler. Signs of a misaligned coupler include the trailer pulling to one side, the coupler being difficult to connect or disconnect, or the coupler making a loud or grinding noise while towing. 2) Hitch Ball or Tow ball - ball shaped attachment to a hitch where the trailer coupler is attached. Rust on the hitch ball, rust inside the trailer coupler, paint on the hitch ball, or just caked on dirt these are all common problems that interfere with the grounding process," said Long . However, all machines have their pain points. Watch out for any bent or damaged interior parts. Should You Grease a Trailer Hitch Ball? Lubrication: friction. It is a simple fix but it works most of the time. As a result, rust and oxidation are prevented, friction is reduced, and moisture is repelled. We all face similar problems in our travel days with a trailer. Check for bulbs and wiring, as well as if the hitch is adjustable. There was a problem filtering reviews right now. I have combined these two threads as they have the same information. Weight distribution hitches are a popular solution to make the towing experience smooth and comfortable. Free shipping. Never had trouble with the coupler. Had to make sure it was lubed and adjusted properly. Occasionally, youll be faced with one mechanical problem. A healthy towing system saves time and money, which improves your overall well-being. All you need to do is spray some WD-40 or use penetrating oil and wait 15 minutes. In this article, we will compare roof racks vs trailer hitch racks to help you make an, Read More 5 best Comparisons Between Roof Racks vs Trailer Hitch Racks for Your Bike Transport NeedsContinue, If you are experiencing problems with your trailer hitches, check out this Guide on weigh Safe Hitch Problems and Solutions. Yes, it is always better to be advanced. If you cant put the hitch ball freely Inside the couplers head using your hand, its too tight. Regular lubrication keeps rust and corrosion away. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, We are an affiliate website that is the best resource for anyone looking to buy, maintain or modify their hitch or trailer. Make sure that the hitch ball and coupler are the same size. At first I thought it was the way the trailer sat on the car, putting pressure on the mechanism. Trailer Hitch Coupler does not latch properly. These products are more prone to rust and corrosion when they are used near water. 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). The same goes for manipulating the ball. Using a hammer in this position is not a good idea as the colar may act as a spring. It is a risky situation. Here are some tips by using which you can remove rust easily: Stainless steel is a tough material that resists rust, corrosion, and discoloration. Bolt-On. But the one that is on our camper is a beast. Buy CURT 25153 Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler for 2-Inch Channel, 2-in Hitch Ball, 3,500 lbs: . REALLY loose and it won't stay on the ball. 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. In this article, we will discuss some common trailer hitch coupler problems and solutions for each one. 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. They all work by clamping around the hitch ball on the trailer. 06-21-2015, 06:30 AM . No worries, we are here to help you if you need an experts help. #2. You absolutely know when it is on properly! Does not apply. . but it is still quirky. Wear and tear are caused by abrasion, erosion, and chemical reactions like Corrosion. As prevention is better than cure, if you know about the problem before it occurs, then very simply these problems wont occur. Color coding will ensure safe hitching every time. I tried spraying a lube on it My coupler is a little different than my old popup that had the type you described, StBob. To solve this problem, you should replace the latch if its worn out or damaged. How to install a fifth-wheel hitch on a Dodge Ram? 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. At the top of the hitch ball, youll find the maximum weight the ball can pull and the size of the ball. Easy way to fix and repair trailer c. Do not expose the metal directly to wetness or other weather conditions that may cause Corrosion. If the fit is too loose . Little thing but effective, try to use a good lubricant to remove rust. Replacing the spring is the best repair option in this case. Read more, Affiliate Disclosure hitch ball is under the coupler. Signs of rust and corrosion include discoloration of the metal, flaking or peeling paint, and a rough or pitted surface. Before this job, Aus hated towing this trailer because he was scared it might pop off the hitch of the truck. You may get it over the ball but the damage puts you at risk when you are towing. To prevent this, ensure your coupler is latching on the right ball size. Maybe put a couple of thousand of miles on it. For those that do not know, the coupler is the metal piece that bolts to your trailers tongue and then rests on the tow vehicles hitch ball. If you are having trailer hitch coupler problems, the best thing to do is not to force the solution. Do not move the trailer to the tow vehicle. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Take the time to read it carefully. Remove the ball and tighten the spring-loaded nut (b) on the underside of the coupler if the fit is too loose. I noticed the coupler on my own trailer was getting rusty, but ignored it because I hardly ever used it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To be honest, I didn't even know what a coupler was until needing to fix this trailer! I've pulled big flat beds at work, loaded with equipment and machines. I've gotten down but back too far, hooked the chains and pulled forward a bit to get it to drop. Follow the proper towing technique while towing the trailer, and make sure the coupler is properly connected and locked before towing. Its responsible for ensuring safe and secure towing. The hitch acts as a pivot point in-between the centers of gravity of the two vehicles . A trailer hitch coupler is a critical component of any towing setup. 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. The trailer hitch coupler secures the trailer to the ball mount. Better to do it the annoying but safe way. If it's too tight it will be hard to latch/unlatch. . No worries, we are here to help you if you need an expert's help. (Can I Adjust The Pin Box? The tongue on your trailer must match the trailer coupler, which comes in a variety of sizes and styles. The latch on the coupler is responsible for holding the coupler onto the hitch ball. Stainless steel resists corrosion, rust, and discoloration. Also Read: How to Unlock the Trailer Hitch Lock? If it is a bolt-on model, then you can unbolt it and store it in a dry location. 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. If your hitch is new it's harder but the key is getting that ball seated forward. You have to make sure that the coupler is nested in the ball socket. The first step is to get a spare ball and put the coupler on it. A frozen coupler can make it difficult to connect or disconnect the trailer from the towing vehicle. With every color-coded towable you rent, include the rental stores own color-coded Class 4 drawbar and correct ball. 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. It may result in your trailer parting from the van during a turn and may hit badly on you. Here, I will talk about these common trailer hitch coupler problems and their solution. One important aspect of trailer safety is ensuring that the hitch is properly weight-distributed. In the second solution, sometimes, the ball is too big for the hitch, and forcing the hitch over the ball can damage your trailer. Before buying a coupler, you must first calculate the towing capacity and tongue weight of your car and the weight of your trailer. That usually works for me. A worn out coupler may not latch properly, allowing the trailer to detach from the tow vehicle while in motion. Fifth Wheel Trailer to Gooseneck Hitch reviews from RAV4 o . Make sure the coupler is installed according to the manufacturers instructions and using the proper size and type of hitch ball. This can include worn or damaged latch or lock mechanisms, bent or twisted hitch ball sockets, or corroded or rusted pins. I also got stuck into my trailer hitch coupler. Our dealer had us play with it a bit, because he says he gets calls for help about this. Everything is done by feel and experienced mechanics know exactly what is meant by that. It worked fine by the third camping excursion. To disconnect a travel trailer from its hitch, release the locking mechanisms and all safety pins. They may be expensive, but its worth it. Retail: $22.78. Using an incorrect size coupler can result in poor towing performance and potential safety issues. One is wear and tear. Replace the ball and double-check the fit. Your email address will not be published. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Uncouple the trailer and insert a spare ball into the coupler (a). Or do you mean cranked on it to raise the hitch upward? Whatever you do, do not try hammering or forcing the ball into position. Envelopes and secures to the tow vehicle hitch ball. 1,431. However, if the damage is more severe, such as a broken locking mechanism, it is best to have it inspected and repaired by a professional. It is hard at first. Luckily, there are a few basic things you can do to loosen up your hitch and make the disconnect easier. SAE Class 2 (for gross trailer weights up to 3,500 lbs.) Minor issues, such as rust or worn-out lubrication, can be fixed with proper cleaning and lubrication. If not, adjust the lever till you get the right fit and the trailer will be able to turn smoothly. Wrong sizing Wrong sizing is when you pick an oversized or undersized coupler for a hitch ball. limited qauntity stock? a little grease or WD40 may be called for. Andersen Manufacturing is a well-known brand in the market that offers weight distribution hitches. Or, the fit is looser than it should be making towing a risky venture. In this blog post, well take a closer look at some of the most common issues that can arise with trailer hitch couplers, including rust and corrosion, loose or missing pins, and misaligned couplers. To prevent corrosion, zinc is dipped into steel or iron. (Cummins, Freightliner, Detroit), Cat C12 Oil Capacity, Type, and Change Interval (Guide), The Trailer Hitch Won't Lock Down On The Ball, How do You Fix a Hitch That Won't Latch?, How Tight Should The Trailer Ball And Coupler Be?, How do You Maintain a Trailer Coupler?. If the latch or lock mechanism of the coupler is not functioning properly, it can cause the coupler to become disconnected from the hitch ball while towing. A trailer hitch coupler is a mechanism that latches on the hitch ball of a towing van. It might SEEM like it is tight, but check the nut under the coupler, it probably isn't. H. It's the control mechanism that holds a trailer to a van. Use the coupler correctly and only for the weight and size of trailer that its rated for. If that doesn't help, I'm at a loss. Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2023. Many couplers have a means of adjusting the clearance between the latch on the coupler and the ball on the tow vehicle. Heres how to achieve the perfect fit in just a few minutes. I have actually used my trailer hitch coupler quite frequently. You may need to use a 9/16 or 3/4 inch socket and wrench. The first step is to get a spare ball and put the coupler on it. Look for rust, corrosion, loose or missing pins, and misaligned couplers. It is something you have to work at and learn the feel. Quick Answer: The most common way to remove a trailer, Read More How to Remove Rusted Hitch Ball?Continue. The hitch pin should fit easily into the hole (Figure 5). Every trailer I've ever built I've welded on the hitch coupler. Here we will explore the different types of hitches available and their primary uses. Inquiry: [emailprotected](8 am - 8:30 pm ET, 7 days a week)Get Directions: 750 3rd Avenue Brooklyn New York 11232. Pros and ConsContinue, Towing a trailer can be a hassle if you dont have the right equipment. Many people think about hitting the coupler using a hammer. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent future problems and prolong the life of your coupler. Bike Trailer Coupler Hitch Trailer Coupler Attachment Compatible with Schwinn & $20.89. When necessary, adjust or replace the coupler parts to ensure proper alignment and functionality. Chevrolet Trax models made from 2015 to 2020 cannot be used to tow a trailer, since they were not meant to do that. Please try again later. The popup one auto-locked the nut. 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? On the hitch coupler, youll find the ball size that fits that coupler, and This is a sure way to pick the suitable coupler for the right ball. Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Trigger Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 3,500 lbs. Thanks! Hitch balls with zinc plating are available. Then, you should rotate the handle of your coupler backward until the handle is in the locked position. When that happens, you may not get the secure fit. In the right hands, an installation of a Chrysler, Read More Can you put a trailer hitch on a Chrysler PacificaContinue, When its about RV and its weight maintenance, the most frequently asked question is How to increase Tongue Weight capacity? and its about adding weight to a trailer tongue. Check the reverse of that situation as well. The first thing you need to verify is whether the handle is moving freely or not. which we all faced at least once in our life. Thats it. A good example of a hitch like this is the CURT 45036 Trailer Hitch Ball . It is very helpful. Every day.! If you face this kind of problem, then simply try to follow these steps which are very basic and easy to maintain. Learn how to hook to a ball hitch trailer - watch the video. The 2021 model chevy trax has a, Read More Can you put a trailer hitch on a Chevy Trax?Continue. There is an adjustment nut inside the coupler. Expert Answers about . DIY! To clean the coupler, use a damp cloth to wipe down the metal parts of the coupler, and dry them thoroughly. Use a good lubricant to remove rust, which is a little thing but very effective. Whenever you tow, liberally apply. Rust is a major problem people face with their couplers. Watercraft trailers or humid environments are ideal for stainless steel towing products. Replace parts as needed to make sure the coupler works all the time. The best fifth wheel trailer to gooseneck hitch for your 2022 Toyota RAV4 at a great price. How can I solve the problem of a loose coupler? The only real solution to this problem is to replace the ball with one that is the correct size. Just a point of clarification: when you say you cranked up the jockey wheel, do you mean cranked it up off the ground? It has the information you need to know about so you do not make a mistake and use force. However, all machines have their pain points. 1) Hitch - device that attaches directly to a tow vehicle providing the connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer. If it is too tight, then adjust in the opposite direction. This can cause the trailer to disconnect from the towing vehicle while driving. Release hitch ball or kingpin locking bar. Employees, supervisors, and store owners can easily notice a mismatched ball/coupler, even from a long distance, thanks to this technique. To be honest, I didn't even know what a coupler was until needing to fix this trailer! November 2017. Reese. The hitches that hook into them often have angled pieces that tilt up. When used near water, these products are more likely to rust and corrosion. Make sure the latch or lock mechanism is functioning properly. : Measure the opening of your coupler with the ruler. A loose coupler can cause the trailer to sway while driving, which can be dangerous and potentially lead to an accident. Another most common concern with trailer hook-up is mismatching coupler to hitch ball size, but it remains a big problem at rental stores. A ball cover protects your hitch ball from the weather. You can clean the corrosion and rust but that is no guarantee something did not get bent and wont work right. 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. Then, you should make sure you have the right-sized ball. If all of these things look okay, grounding might be a problem. This can happen quite often. Accessories and Parts. When the hitch ball is not towing or in storage, it prevents the grease from rubbing off. Was used to old trailer that would grab forward onto ball. Itll make your coupler more durable. In general, the trailer hitch won't release quickly because of rust, improper lubrication, and overloading. Brian Silvestro is the founder and chief editor of OffroadersArena. Have a safe journey! Since the coupler has few moving parts, the solution to this problem is the same as other problems. Trailer Hitch Coupler Problems & Solutions. Bill a la Kill. Easy way to fix and repair trailer coupler on old rusty trailer. Unlock the trailer coupler latch. Please feel free to contact us at first if there is any problem when you receive or use our products. It just sticks, like its rusted. This will allow it to sit on the hitch ball on your vehicle. Then, you should lubricate it regularly. ), Driveshaft Disconnect For Towing: Cost, Problems, Reviews, Fixing Trailer Hitch Coupler Problems (Hitch Wont Lock Down), What Is The Diagnostic Code SPN 4357 FMI 5? Too tight may lead to the wear and tear of the couplers head, breakage of the hitch ball, or worse. Reinsert the ball and check the fit. Let us know your thoughts. To solve this problem, you should measure the size of your hitch ball and ensure that the coupler youre using is the correct size for your towing setup. The undersized hitch coupler will be too tight, which may cause significant damage to the entire hitch system. If the ball is too small for your coupler, then it should not fit either and you will have trouble clamping the coupler to the ball. Keeping the coupler clean and dry can help prevent rust and corrosion from developing. Put the hood on an exercise regime. Set of 2 Bike Trailer Hitch Coupler Attachments Instep & Schwinn Bike Trailers. Your trailer hitch coupler is a very important part in your vehicle. It will allow you to press the bold back in place. The lubricant that is recommended is lithium grease and you should put some on the ball as well. It prevents grease from rubbing off when the hitch ball is not towing or in storage. It helps a lot. If your latch moves with difficulty make sure to lube/grease it so it's easy tomove in the future. They usually have a large Nylock nut that you can adjust to get it just right. There are two major problems you may have to deal with. Here's how to achieve the perfect fit in just a few minutes. If not, you may have to go and buy a new coupler. To solve this problem, you should inspect the coupler for any signs of damage and replace it if necessary. Lower tongue jack until hitch clears vehicle ball. Additionally, its important to ensure that the coupler is the correct size and weight rating for the trailer being towed. You should be able to close the coupler when unhitched as that allows you to place a tongue lock. The pins that hold the coupler to the trailer can become loose due to vibration or can fall out completely. Too loose and it'll bang when you hit bumps or start/stop. Then the rest was easy. Couplers will be more durable if you do this. The socket and wrench size will depend on your bottle. Though wear and tear take time nevertheless, if its overlooked, it can be disastrous as this may cause damage to the hitch system. 2 Inch Ball Coupler. limited quantity stock. The fit between the ball hitch and the trailer coupler should be tight enough to prevent a disastrous decoupling while on the road, but not so snug that the trailer will have trouble making turns. Just $1 per month . As an Amazon Associate, We may earn from qualifying purchases. If you already have enough knowledge about the problem before it occurs then very simply these problems are not going to take place as prevention is better than cure. This can be caused by a worn or damaged hitch ball, an improperly installed coupler, or a bent or twisted hitch ball socket. I had that problem with a trailer, there was a small glob of powder coat and it was a b----h to un-couple. The perfect fit can be achieved in just a few minutes. Spraying it is a good idea as well as working it. A tow hitch (or tow bar or trailer hitch in North America) is a device attached to the chassis of a vehicle for towing, or a towbar to an aircraft nose gear. Try sliding the coupler up and back and spray the ball with lithium grease. Because these problems are easy to solve. This can include replacing worn or damaged parts such as the latch or lock mechanism. An oversized hitch coupler may be so loose that the trailer might bounce off the van while in transit. We are independently owned, the opinions expressed are our own from personal experience while using any and all products.We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. All repairs performed by our viewers are at your own risk.While we do review products that we use daily or have even used for years, we also review and test products for companies that have compensated us to try their product out. While they are known for their quality and durability, there are some, Read More Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch Problems and SolutionsContinue, Your email address will not be published. : to save time, give similar colours to a ball size and a fitting coupler to a ball size and a suitable coupler.