Why Would a Trailer Hitch Come Detached From the Ball During Travel?

Question

Question:

My wife was pulling a trailer with a horse in it and for some reason the trailer came off the ball. I had never heard of this happening until it happened to her. The ball is a 2 ball for a 2 coupling. How did this happen? I could see it if the locking collar was NOT in place. Any comments on this??

asked by: Marshall L

0

Expert Reply:

When you mention locking collar, I am led to believe that you might be describing a hammer blow-type coupler, like our part # BD028288. This type of coupler has a collar that would slide up, securing the jaws of the coupler in place over the trailer ball. This collar is secured by a safety pin. If the pin is missing, this could explain why the coupler is coming open.

If you have a standard latch-type coupler, it is possible that the latch mechanism is worn out or damaged. Depending on the manufacturer of the coupler, we offer some replacement parts with which you might be able to repair the coupler. You can view all the coupler repair parts we offer at the following link.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Jacob J.

8/5/2020

My skylark came off my hitch and chains did not hold up to that. I am searching for this tye of problem and solutions to submit to the insurance company. Thank You.

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Chris R.

8/14/2020

What type of information are you looking for? Are you saying that the trailer became unattached and the safety chains broke as well?

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Jacob J.

8/15/2020

@ChrisR trying to figure out why my sky lark did this as the chains did not hold up and I did change out my hitch to the new aluminum hitch which had been very dependable. I had a front tire blow out which cause it to shake back and forth and before I knew it off my hitch and went so electric brake did not stop it and the S hook on the chain straightened

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Jon G.

8/27/2020

@JacobJ Oh wow, I hope everyone is alright! Typically when a tire has a blowout it's typically because it is old/worn out, has been damaged from hitting curbs, or the max speed was exceeded and there was enough heat build-up that it couldn't handle the pressure. Sure there are other reasons too like debris in the road or the bearings not being greased properly which causes a LOT of heat build-up, but the ones above are the most common. If the trailer shaking back and forth was violent enough I wonder if that caused the latch on your trailer coupler to come loose and then if your safety chains weren't rated high enough that would explain them failing. I'm not sure how any of this can be proven but those are my thoughts on that kind of a scenario.

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Answer 1

I don't think you are doing anything wrong necessarily. There are 2 possible issues that I can think of causing the problem. First, the spring may not be the correct size. A spring that is too short and/or not the correct diameter would fall…

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Answer 2

First, release the mechanism that holds the coupler onto the ball. It may be a lever or a knob that has to be turned. Some require a dual action move where you would push back or forward on the lever while lifting up on it. If you have done this…

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Answer 3

You can use virtually any paint that is rated for use on steel and outdoor use for the Bulldog Collar-Lok Coupler #BD028499 The most important part is going to be the prep. You will want to use a light sandpaper or SOS type pad to scuff the area…

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Answer 4

Yes, the Sleeve-Lock A-Frame Trailer Coupler #CA-5196-B that you referenced is a weld-on coupler designed to fit 50 degree A-frame trailers like you mentioned. Nearly all A-frame trailers are 50 degree so it's hard to find A-frame couplers that…

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Answer 5

The #BK2-100 Bearing Kit for #84 Spindle L44649/L68149 Bearings 10-19 Double Lip Seal will work. You have EZ Lube spindles which do not use a cotter pin. The spindle has a tube in it for the grease to be pumped in. Instead it uses a tang washer,…

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Answer 6

I contacted Dexter and the Unitized Oil Seal for Trailer Hubs part #10-63 do not require RTV sealant or a gasket maker. They are typically used in oil bath hubs. I have attached an installation video for your reference.

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Answer 7

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 8

Most trailer couplers are designed specifically for one of the three common hitch ball sizes, 1-7/8-inch, 2-inch or 2-5/16-inch, to ensure a safe and secure fit. The compatible ball size is usually stamped into the coupler. However, there are also…

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Answer 9

The main reason people like oil bath hubs over grease hubs is the oil bath hubs have a less involved maintenance schedule than grease hubs. It is recommended to inspect and repack grease wheel bearings and seals every 12k miles. With oil bath hubs,…

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Answer 10

To adjust the hitch latch on your trailer's coupler, you will want to adjust the nut at the bottom of the latch. This nut will be tightened or loosened depending on what you need for your coupler. I have attached a diagram showing you the…

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Answer 11

Some trucks do need an under-the-hood connection of wiring to activate the 12V trailer power feed and the trailer brake controller power input feed. This process is outlined and illustrated in the linked article, in the section titled…

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Answer 12

There are a number of reasons why the brakes on your trailer may not be working. Lets start with the easiest things to check. First, check the vehicle and trailer connectors for corrosion. This can cause a short inside the connector and the brake…

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Why Would a Trailer Hitch Come Detached From the Ball During Travel?

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