Can't unlatch actuator

[Xelaw]

I have a 2007 Four Winns trailer with a Tie Down 70LP actuator. I can't get the latch to flip up. I tried lubing everything but but it didn't work. I had to pull the pin out of my hitch receiver and drive my truck forward to disconnect from the trailer. What do I need to do? I tried applying a lot of force to the latch, but it didn't work. I don't want to pry on it too hard if there's something else I need to do before it will come up.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Can't unlatch actuator

Sometimes there is enough room to reach the nut that's located under the actuator at the coupler, and holds the latch in the coupler. If it's too tight it wont let the latch release, and if it's too loose it wont hold the ball.

You didn't mention if you were the one that attached the trailer to the tow vehicle. Not to be insulting, but there is a pin that goes thru the hitch, under the ball, that prevents the coupler from coming off the ball if the latch released accidentally. Might check to see if something is jammed in there.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Can't unlatch actuator

Also if you have any tension from the jack post it won't release, you have to flip the catch up and hold it before raising the tongue.

 

[Xelaw]

Re: Can't unlatch actuator

I'll look for the latch nut.

The safety pin isn't in the coupler, and there's no tension from the jack post because the ball and ball mount aren't connected to my truck anymore.

 

[Xelaw]

Re: Can't unlatch actuator

There's no nut to adjust the tension. I looked at my other trailer and saw what you were talking about, but this trailer has no nut like that.

 

[mike343]

Re: Can't unlatch actuator

Try contacting the actuator manufacturer.

 

[Xelaw]

Re: Can't unlatch actuator

That's going to be my next step...I was just hoping to get the dang thing off tonight :-\

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Can't unlatch actuator

I am not familiar with your type actuator so I googled it. On www.tiedown.com/pdf/c462.pdf, I looked at the blow up of the parts and it appears there may be a couple "gotch ya" clips holding the latch pivot pin in place.

If all else fails perhaps you could remove them, knock out the pivot pin, drop the latch, remove the ball and mount, and then look over the coupling to try and determine the problem.

It may need some grease for lubing, or maybe some nuts are too tight.

 

[jfadool]

Re: Can't unlatch actuator

There is a safety pin on those hitches, it needs to be removed first. I assume that you have done that.

On top of the latch that gets pushed down to lock the trailer to the ball there is a knob that looks like a half sphere. Push it to the side and the latch will lift up. Our trailer you pushed it to the right when straddling the tongue looking at the truck.

If that does not work you have a mechanical problem.

 

[Xelaw]

Re: Can't unlatch actuator

Thanks, jfadool I'll try it tonight. This was my first time unlatching. I'll feel stupid if that was the only problem, but at least I'll have my trailer unlatched!

 

[Xelaw]

Re: Can't unlatch actuator

Yep, that's how you unlatch it. In my defense it was getting dark when I was looking at it last night and the instruction manual made no mention of the button...the thing looks like a rivet.