Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

[lazydayz]

Im trying to replace my coupler, but i went to go check out my trailer and the coupler is all apart of the trailer. There are no bolts or anything connected to the trailer and coupler. It is all 1 piece, the trailer along with the coupler.

Any sugestions what to do? I was planning on getting this...

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s..._23441_225010000_225000000_225010000_225-10-0

But now i dont know since my trailer is all 1 piece...

Thanks for your help fellas.

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

Would have to see pic but assume mfg of trailer welded one onto the frame.
If your tounge is long enough you might cut old one off and drill or weld new one on. Could affect your balance ( too much weight on hitch) Or you might be able to find parts for your old one.

Good luck

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

Post a picture of your current coupler.

 

[lazydayz]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

okay. ill brb.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

If you post a picture of the setup I am sure that we will be able to help you, although it isn't always what you want to hear!

I would lean towards what Less Robb said, it is probably just welded to the frame.

Also, why does it need replaced? Is it physically damaged? Rusted? Won't stay latched to the trailer?

You might know that there is some adjustment in them to correct for the last question.

Good luck and try to snap a few pics for us!

Edit - Sorry, you posted while I was typing! We are waiting to try and help!

 

[lazydayz]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

 

[lazydayz]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

If you post a picture of the setup I am sure that we will be able to help you, although it isn't always what you want to hear!

I would lean towards what Less Robb said, it is probably just welded to the frame.

Also, why does it need replaced? Is it physically damaged? Rusted? Won't stay latched to the trailer?

You might know that there is some adjustment in them to correct for the last question.

Good luck and try to snap a few pics for us!

Edit - Sorry, you posted while I was typing! We are waiting to try and help!

PICS are up...thank you in advance...

Also the problem that I had was it popped off the trailer ball. So i dont think its locking correctly....i got it on and drove home with an escort of friends with hazards on...im soooooo scared to drive it now....

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

Lazydayz - I will check out the pics when I get home.

However, without seeing the pics, there is a good chance the coupler just needs adjusted. Try doing this.

Go hitch up the trailer to the tow vehicle. Make sure you lock the lever down on top of the coupler? Do you use some kind of safety pin through the latch to prevent it from popping up?

Next, lay down on the ground under the coupler. As you look at the bottom of the coupler, you should see a nut and a clasp that closes against the ball of the hitch.

Get a socket and start tightening the nut down to draw the clasp closer to the ball on the hitch. Dont go crazy and check frequently. Do this until you can't pick the trailer up off of the hitch with the jack. (Make sure trailer wheels are blocked!)

Then let the jack back down and release the latch on top of the trailer coupler. Then jack it back off the hitch, you just wan't to make sure that you don't have it adjusted to tightly that it won't come off the hitch!

Good luck!

 

[lazydayz]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

Lazydayz - I will check out the pics when I get home.

However, without seeing the pics, there is a good chance the coupler just needs adjusted. Try doing this.

Go hitch up the trailer to the tow vehicle. Make sure you lock the lever down on top of the coupler? Do you use some kind of safety pin through the latch to prevent it from popping up?

Next, lay down on the ground under the coupler. As you look at the bottom of the coupler, you should see a nut and a clasp that closes against the ball of the hitch.

Get a socket and start tightening the nut down to draw the clasp closer to the ball on the hitch. Dont go crazy and check frequently. Do this until you can't pick the trailer up off of the hitch with the jack. (Make sure trailer wheels are blocked!)

Then let the jack back down and release the latch on top of the trailer coupler. Then jack it back off the hitch, you just wan't to make sure that you don't have it adjusted to tightly that it won't come off the hitch!

Good luck!

Thank you,

Ill try to do that today. I have to do something about this because im so scared to drive it now! lol.

Thank you again!

 

[lowkee]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

You also don't have to replace the entire coupler. Northern tool (and likely many other places) sells a coupler rebuild kit. The price is almost as much as a coupler, but in this case, it is just what you may need.

I would still try the adjustment route first.

 

[lazydayz]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

You also don't have to replace the entire coupler. Northern tool (and likely many other places) sells a coupler rebuild kit. The price is almost as much as a coupler, but in this case, it is just what you may need.

I would still try the adjustment route first.

I didnt even know about the rbuild kit...thats probably going to be my best route..but im still gona try to to adjust it...

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

My coupler was welded on. I bought a rebuild kit at Farm n Fleet or you can buy a new coupler and strip it for parts.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

LazyDayz - Make sure that you are using the right size ball as well! The coupler should be stamped somewhere on it (normally the top) what size ball to use. Using the wrong size will could contribute to or be the problem!

Something doesn't look right as the lever on top of the coupler doesnt' look like it is latching down on its catch. Maybe out of adjustment or maybe the wrong size ball. For example, a 2" ball in a 1 7/8" coupler.


Also, not trying to critize, but I think I only see one safety chain in your picture. If that is the case you really want to get a second one on there soon! Take a chain from one side of the trailer to the opposite side on the truck and vice versa. The idea of two chains is so that if the trailer ever came disconnected from the truck, the coupler would land in the criss crossed chanis and you would be able to come to a stop versus having the coupler dig into the road.

Let us know what you find!

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

Now I see what you mean. Make sure ball is correct size, try to adjust, and as all above noted look for parts. I think depending on size of end of trailer I would use Cutting and welding as last resort.

You should be in good shape now

Safe towing & boating ya'll

 

[lazydayz]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

Ok, so checked the coupler and there is no where on their showing the size of the tow ball....the guy who wold me the boat said that hes been using a 2" ball..I looked underneath the coupler and it looks like its okay right now, but im going to need to take it off the hitch to see if its loose. Im sure ill need to fix it with a repair kit. It feels very "loose" i can move the locking latch with 1 finger to close it....

CHAINS!!! I had no idea that i needed 2 chains until my trailer popped off yesterday...they guy who helped me said that its the law 2 chains are required....so ill need to get another chain as well...

Looks like im gonna have to wait for a pay check to fix all these little issues...haha.

Thanks so much guys I really do appreciate it. Ill keep u guys posted. Should get this all going within the next couple of days...

-Lazydayz

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

Go back to blue crabbers adjust post and do that first. You shouldn't have to hammer to lever down but finger finger loose with no pull is probably not tight enough.

Are you sure after it came loose that the latch was down and locked? I see you do have a locking device through the latch and that's a must for safety. If all you need is the chain and 2 "s" hooks you may not have to wait till payday.

 

[otec465]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

yea he doesn't want to be the guy i saw going down the road at 60+ mph with his trailer literally being towed by the chains. I was able to get him to pull over and help him get trailer back on properly. I also instructed him that the next exit had an RV place where he could get it properly looked at and repaired.

 

[109jb]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

One thing I will tell you is that your safety chain isn't going to do any good if you coupler lets go. That spring loaded carabiner won't hold crap and there should be 2 chains criss-crossed. The chains should be firmly bolted to the trailer.

 

[lazydayz]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

Daang guys, all of this is sadly to say....NEW information to me....

I now know that I Really need to put some time and money into the safety of this. Guys, im so scared to drive this damn thing. I really thank all of you guys, Im going to get another chain and do the criss cross like you guys were saying. I wish you guys were LOCAL to me...i really need some nice people around me who can help me with these things...Like i said im a total noobie..got this thing for a steal and im basically learning everything from you guys and others that i see on the lake...so please excuse the small amount of knowledge that I know about this stuff...BTW im located in Southern California if you guys are around....haha.

Thank you again guys!

-Lazydayz
-OMAR

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Coupler needs replacement but permanent connection!

theres a couple good members in the socal area. more specifically, what town are you in?