Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

[Ki Ki]

So I have an OLD trailer that I'm making 'new' again. It has an OLD hand-wheel type coupler on the tongue. It's just the bolt on kind. I don't want to replace the tongue or rebolt a new one on.

Is it okay to get a lever type kit and just bolt that one in the place of the old hand-wheel? Anything I should know about torquing down the new lever type coupler during install? I'd hate to have my installation of the lever coupler pop off or something.

Thanks!

 

[fire831]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

Things you need to know was posted in your other thread. As most said. Easiest way and safest way in my opinion would be to just buy the whole new hitch with the latch style for $20.00 give or take and bolt it on with grade 8 bolts and forget it. Not trying to be rude but JEEEEZ.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

Yup. Re asking the same question is just going to get you the same answers. Put on an entire new coupler and be done with it.
Just curious as to why you're so resistant, and so insistent on swapping parts out (If that's even possible- not sure it is), when for the same or close to the same money you can get the entire coupler replaced?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

Yeah! In this case, Jury rigged is just begging for trouble. In this case, the 25 bucks or so for a new coupler (not worn, not rusted) is CHEAP insurance. Beats the hell out of watching your boat pass you on the road.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

Thanks for the polite responses.

I'm not sure how I'd bolt on a whole new coupler. I don't have any type of saw or anything to cut off the old one's metal. Nor are there bolt holes in place.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

Things you need to know was posted in your other thread. As most said. Easiest way and safest way in my opinion would be to just buy the whole new hitch with the latch style for $20.00 give or take and bolt it on with grade 8 bolts and forget it. Not trying to be rude but JEEEEZ.

Isn't there more to this? I'm a novice with this, so bare with me. How do I know the coupler will fit over my old hitch? Grade 8 bolts, do they come with the coupler?

Do I have to saw the other trailer hitch head off?

Also, it looks like there are 2 inch and 3 inch channels? Does this apply for going over the old trailer? In other words, if I measure my old trailer and it is 3" wide, how do I know the new coupler will fit over? IS this what I need?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-...5fRVQ5fTrailerQ5fCamperQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

If you don't have bolts on the old coupler, it is welded to the trailer tongue. Usually these welds are relatively small so you would be able to grind them off (assuming you have a hand grinder) Otherwise, you would need to cut the tongue just behind the coupler, thus shortening the trailer by about 6-8 inches.

You measure the width of the trailer tongue--2, 3, inches --They are standard--and buy a coupler to match. (Larger couplers will usually use a 2 inch ball.) Clamp the new coupler on the tongue and with a heavy duty 1/2 inch drill, drill the 4 side holes (6 if you want to use the top holes in the coupler). You can buy 1/2 inch grade 8 bolts in Lowes, Home depot, Tractor supply, Fastenal, Etc. Some people prefer 2 long bolts that go right through the tongue and coupler. I prefer 4 shorter ones that bolt in from each side.

While grade 8 bolts are preferable for strength, if you use all six holes in the coupler, grade 5 will be sufficient.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

If you don't have bolts on the old coupler, it is welded to the trailer tongue. Usually these welds are relatively small so you would be able to grind them off (assuming you have a hand grinder) Otherwise, you would need to cut the tongue just behind the coupler, thus shortening the trailer by about 6-8 inches.

You measure the width of the trailer tongue--2, 3, inches --They are standard--and buy a coupler to match. (Larger couplers will usually use a 2 inch ball.) Clamp the new coupler on the tongue and with a heavy duty 1/2 inch drill, drill the 4 side holes (6 if you want to use the top holes in the coupler). You can buy 1/2 inch grade 8 bolts in Lowes, Home depot, Tractor supply, Fastenal, Etc. Some people prefer 2 long bolts that go right through the tongue and coupler. I prefer 4 shorter ones that bolt in from each side.

While grade 8 bolts are preferable for strength, if you use all six holes in the coupler, grade 5 will be sufficient.

Very helpful, thank you! Sounds like a project for a shop as I don't have the grinder, nor a high powered enough drill beyond 12V.

That being said, I guess I'm confused on what the problem would be if I bought this, and just unscrewed the old hand-wheel bolt on coupler from the boat? The tongue of the coupler and ball area is in good shape, it's just the hand-wheel is rusty and outdated. I'd like to convert it to this, if it ends up fitting:

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=5425&BASE

I'm confused as to why that wouldn't work in the pre-existing holes. Is it that I wouldn't be able to bolt the nut on the bottom of the lever bolt on tight enough? How tight should I bolt it on? Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

all of this was explained before. You cannot expect parts from coupler design to work on another -- they are two comletely different set ups. It is as simple as getting a ruler and measuring the width of the tongue. then buy a couple that fits that tongue. Most of them are standard. Bolts are available at any hardware store. If the old coupler is welded on it needs to be removed in whatever manner possible. Besides, you didn't indicate what the problem was with the other one. It looks perfectly normal and there is no need for a spring in that system. The spring tab in front of the hand wheel is what locks the wheel.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

all of this was explained before. You cannot expect parts from coupler design to work on another -- they are two comletely different set ups. It is as simple as getting a ruler and measuring the width of the tongue. then buy a couple that fits that tongue. Most of them are standard. Bolts are available at any hardware store. If the old coupler is welded on it needs to be removed in whatever manner possible. Besides, you didn't indicate what the problem was with the other one. It looks perfectly normal and there is no need for a spring in that system. The spring tab in front of the hand wheel is what locks the wheel.

http://www.etrailer.com/p-F520801.html

This is what confused me. Why the spring in this one then? Mine has no spring.

 

[Shrike]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

It might take a little while but you can saw your old coupler off with a hack saw.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

The tongue of the coupler and ball area is in good shape, it's just the hand-wheel is rusty and outdated.

Seriously, is the only problem with the current coupler a rusty handwheel and that it is outdated?
For $5 or so you can solve all your problems with a wire brush and a spray can of Rustoleum.

 

[Hansolo99]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

Go buy a $9.00 hack saw, a $20.00 drill and $5.00 worth of grade 8 bolts from Home Depot and hack that thing off, drill your holes and buy that coupler off eBay for $15.00 and your done. If you take that to a shop you will be out a couple hundred bucks easy!!

If you try and make peices work that are not designed for the right application you put other peoples lives at risk when you trailer your boat. I would not want to even be on the same road with you if you decided to try and do that. I am not sure your age, but since you have the trailer I am sure you can be trusted with power tools. It is time to move out of your parents house and invest in some tools as you will need them in the future.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

http://www.etrailer.com/p-F520801.html

This is what confused me. Why the spring in this one then? Mine has no spring.

If memory serves, the spring holds that lever up against the bottom of the handwheel. Which is suppose to keep the handwheel from loosening due to ridges in both.
On the other hand the spring also makes it so that you have to push the handwheel down while you lower the coupler onto the ball.
Without the spring you merely loosen the handwheel until you can pull the trailer off the ball.
And gravity allows the pall to clear the ball when putting trailer back on the ball without having to hold the handwheel down.

Some of the newer handwheel style couplers also have a hole drilled in the lower side of the handwheel where you can use a padlock to prevent turning of the handwheel.
Kinda the same function as the lever under the handwheel but the padlock adds security against theft. You could drill a hole in your old handwheel to accomplish the same.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

..... I guess I'm confused on what the problem would be if I bought this, and just unscrewed the old hand-wheel bolt on coupler from the boat?

Not that I expect this to actually register with you, but nobody has told you how to do this because it won't work.

I'm confused as to why that wouldn't work in the pre-existing holes. Is it that I wouldn't be able to bolt the nut on the bottom of the lever bolt on tight enough? How tight should I bolt it on? Thanks

Don't do this at all. Nobody here has likely done this before, because it's a really, really, really, really, bad idea.

Here is what it boils down to:

Replace the entire coupling assembly using the information already posted in this and the other identical thread.

OR

Spray the heck outa your rusty coupler with some type of penetrating oil product and continue to use it if it works.

Get the replacement parts idea out of your head.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

I am not sure your age, but since you have the trailer I am sure you can be trusted with power tools. It is time to move out of your parents house and invest in some tools as you will need them in the future.

Thanks for the responses all, but this one is not necessary at all. We're all boaters and you're going to be condescending because I am a mechanical idiot. No, not a kid; married and have a job with an entirely different skill set than this. Because being mechanically dis-inclined doesn't equate me to an idiot.

Also, for those that inferred that it would be a safety risk is really missing 'the boat' on this one. It's quite the opposite. I'm trying to make renovations to an older trailer that will improve the likelihood of a safe and successful road trip every time out.

Anyways, didn't appreciate this one comment. To the rest of you, thanks for the tips. I'll take care of it. I apologize for ruffling some feathers with the creation of the two threads. That wasn't needed.

Have a good boating weekend, all.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

Here's a picture of my set-up. Notice the no spring? Is this an adequate form of a coupler?

 

[JimS123]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

I would say its not adequate. That's why they don't make them any more.

Many years ago I bought a project boat and the trailer had one of those couplers. That was the first mod I did. Never felt secure with it.

Hack it off, file the rough spots, drill 2 new holes on each side and bolt the new one on. Go with a class 2 coupler with a 2" ball. That way when you upgrade or buy a jetski the hitch on your car will work with them too.

WalMart sells couplers too. Maybe you can borrow a hacksaw and drill from a friend. If not, since you own a boat, tools will be your friend in the future.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

I would say its not adequate. That's why they don't make them any more.

Many years ago I bought a project boat and the trailer had one of those couplers. That was the first mod I did. Never felt secure with it.

Hack it off, file the rough spots, drill 2 new holes on each side and bolt the new one on. Go with a class 2 coupler with a 2" ball. That way when you upgrade or buy a jetski the hitch on your car will work with them too.

WalMart sells couplers too. Maybe you can borrow a hacksaw and drill from a friend. If not, since you own a boat, tools will be your friend in the future.

That's safe to just saw it off and bolt on another one ? When I bolt on the other do I put the ball where only the ball is visible with no trailer metal underneath? In other words, how much do I put the new coupler up on.

Also, someone told me that I should not screw holes in an old trailer???

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: Hand-Wheel to Lever, simple switch? Things to know?

What about just getting one of these instead? Would it fit in the same spot as long as it's the same ball size?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Trai...temZ260625795418QQptZLHQ5fDefaultDomainQ5f100