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Expert Answers about Adjustable Trailer Coupler


  • Trailer Ball is Loose in Coupler
  • Some couplers can be adjusted so that the wedge will grab the trailer ball more tightly, but since the coupler you're using has no adjustment available, I'd first confirm that you are using the correct trailer ball size for your coupler. The required ball size for the coupler should be stamped into the metal on the top of the coupler. If you were using a 1-7/8 trailer ball with a coupler designed for a 2 inch ball, it would explain why the ball is loose in the coupler. If this is the case,...
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  • Adjusting Latch On Trailer Coupler with Trigger Latch
  • 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 location of the nut that you will want to adjust. The ball needs to be secured in the coupler and unable to simply come off. However, there should be some room for play. The hitch ball needs to be able to move inside the coupler so that nothing binds...
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  • Why is There So Much Play On The Ball in My Adjustable Coupler?
  • I'm not sure which coupler that is, but I can say that a certain amount of rattling is to be expected because of the space needed to allow the ball to turn inside the coupler-especially with an adjustable coupler. With that being said, you can always test to make sure your connection is secure by using a jack to lift the nose of your trailer while the coupler is hitched to your tow vehicle. As long as the coupler remains locked to the hitch ball when the jack is raised then you can at least...
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  • Trailer Coupler Latch is Very Difficult to Operate
  • There are a few things that could be causing the issue you're experiencing. Let's start with the obvious-be sure you're using the correct trailer ball for the coupler. The coupler will have the necessary ball size stamped into it. It may sound blatantly obvious, but hey, it happens. Secondly, the nut on the underside of the latch can be used to adjust the tension of the latch to a degree. The latch/jaw mechanism of the coupler could be worn or damaged. We offer a few latch repair kits,...
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  • Trailer Coupler Gets Stuck on the Trailer Hitch Ball
  • When a coupler gets stuck on the ball it can be because of several factors. First, if there is tension between the truck and trailer then it can cause the coupler to bind and get stuck on the ball. You can try moving slightly forward or backward to relieve the tension. If that does not release the tension enough you can also use the trailer jack to lift both the truck and trailer a little to relieve the tension which will make it easier to unlatch from around the ball. You may also benefit...
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  • Difficulty Getting Trailer Coupler On or Off of the Ball
  • This may sound silly but its worth checking: is the ball you are using too large for what the coupler requires? Or is the coupler damaged at all? You may need to look up inside the coupler to see if there is any corrosion that is binding things up. On many couplers there are some adjustments that you can make. There is usually a nut that holds on a wedge that makes contact with the ball. Adjusting that nut up or down as needed could help. Using ball grease such as # 58117 does make it...
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  • Why Would There be Rattle Between Trailer Coupler and Hitch Ball
  • If your current coupler is loose enough that it rattles when connected to a hitch ball it is in need of adjustment or replacement. There should be a nut on the underside of the coupler that holds the latch in place. You would want to tighten that down so that the latch fits tighter to the hitch ball. The Titan Coupler part # T4845000 would also be a great replacement as long as your trailer frame is built on 3 inch channel. This coupler is also made in the USA.
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  • Replacement Shock for Worn Out One on a Titan Model 60 Trailer Coupler
  • It does indeed sound like the shock is shot. The shock basically prevents the moving part of the coupler from banging around when stopping and accelerating. If you can easily move the coupler in and out by hand then it is for sure the shock. For the model 60 actuators use shock # T2336200. You mentioned adjusting the trailer brakes but make sure you have not adjusted them too far. There should be a slight but constant drag of the pads on the drum when the wheel is turned. You might also...
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  • Boat Trailer Coupler Became Disconnected from Ball on 2014 Acura RDX
  • Check the trailer coupler to see if it is meant to take a 2-5/16 inch ball. If so then the 2 inch ball you have will not be large enough and this issue could keep happening. If it does take a 2 inch ball then either the coupler was not fully secured or something needs to be adjusted with the coupler. Most couplers will have a nut to tighten or loosen that is accessible on the bottom. On some vehicles there is a specific distance the ball has to be from the rear axle of the tow vehicle....
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  • Replacement Adjustment Handle for Ram Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler GCSQTW-30008
  • If the coupler will not adjust be sure that the set screw (shown in the linked photo) has been loosened to allow the coupler to move. If the set screw has been loosened and the unit will not adjust try applying a product like PB Blaster or WD40 to the set screw hole with the unit upside down so that it can flow down into the mechanism. This might help loosen up the adjustment function. If you need just a Replacement Topwind handle assembly for your Ram Adjustable Gooseneck Coupler # GCSQTW-30008...
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  • Why Would Trailer Coupler Latch Cut into Hitch Ball
  • Sounds like the latch of your Fulton Fast-Lok Coupler # F346000301 is either adjusted too tight and/or is damaged. The nut you see on the bottom of the latch, try loosing it slightly to see if it end up putting less stress on the ball. You will want to test fit a 2 inch hitch ball in this coupler to make sure it is tight enough to be secure but not too tight.
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  • Installing a Weight Distribution System on a Trailer with a Bottom Mount Coupler
  • I believe the problem you are experiencing is due to the fact that the trailer has a bottom-mount coupler. You will need to have the weight distribution shank in the drop position with the head low and probably tilted towards the trailer in order to get the proper height for your trailer. The spring bars should be close to being parallel with the trailer frame. If you make these adjustments and the system still is not properly mounted, this weight distribution system probably is not going...
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  • Trailer Coupler is Getting Stuck on the Hitch Ball
  • There are a couple of things that could cause the ball to get stuck in the coupler when trying to uncouple from the truck. First, it could be bound up in there. Moving the tow vehicle and trailer slightly forward or backward can release the tension and allow the ball to come out as intended. If using weight distribution, disengage the spring bars before uncoupling the trailer. If that isn't the issue then there could be a problem with the coupler. Something may need to be adjusted, cleaned,...
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  • Troubleshooting Alignment of Gooseneck Coupler with Inner Tube Replacement
  • The B&W Extend-A-Goose Gooseneck Coupler - 10" Offset # BWTEXA4200 should be a straight fit. If your coupler was not installed so the pin was horizontal, then there isn't another adapter that will fit correctly. The misalignment will be an issue with any replacement. I recommend replacing your coupler with the Ram Gooseneck Coupler w/ Load Bearing Pin - 8" Adjustment - Round - 2-5/16" Ball - 25K # GCPN-25008. Your only other option is drilling a new hole in your current coupler to...
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  • Troubleshooting Height Adjustment for Reese Weight Distribution System
  • The Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Round Bar - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # RE34FR is 49911 you referenced. It definitely doesn't sound right that there is more than 4 inches of difference from the base of the hitch ball when inverting your weight distribution shank with closest settings. I'm attaching an article to assist. If you need something that allows more of that middle adjustment, I recommend the Curt Adjustable Weight Distribution Shank - 8" # C17100.
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  • Can the Latch Mechanism Be Adjusted on the Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator
  • I do have an option for you but there are no adjustments that can be made to the latch mechanism on the Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator part # 099-175-20. There are also no replacements parts for the latch so if the one you have is loose you'll need to replace the entire coupler so you can be sure the trailer is in safe, working order.
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  • Troubleshooting Excess Play with Trailer Coupler and Hitch Ball Connection
  • There will be a little bit of play with any hitch ball and coupler combination just because there needs to be some room for the trailer coupler to rotate, however it sounds like you might be getting a bit more than normal. I recommend first just making sure that you are using a compatible hitch ball size for the coupler on the trailer. Usually the size ball a coupler works with will be stamped underneath the coupler itself. Make sure it is compatible with a 2 inch hitch ball like what you...
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  • Weight Distribution for a Car Trailer with a Channel Coupler 4 Inches Higher than the Trailer Frame
  • The way I would go about this is to lower your coupler height or use a coupler similar to the Bulldog Collar-Lok Coupler w/ Pin - 2-5/16 inch Ball - Adjustable Channel Mount - 12,500 lbs, item # BD028585, and mount it so that the coupler is in the correct position to allow a weight distribution hitch to be used with the trailer and coupler. Make sure the coupler you select will accommodate the total weight of your trailer and the loads on it. You would then use a weight distribution system...
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  • Worn Out Actuator Shock Troubleshooting, Loud Clanking on Acceleration
  • It sounds like the shock is worn out in your coupler and it is no longer functioning as a dampener to allow the coupler to return slowly and that is the clanking sound you are hearing. I attached a page that shows all of the different actuator shocks like # T2336200 that we offer. If you email me back with what model actuator you have I can help you pick one out.
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  • Can the Ball Coupler Cable Detent be Adjusted on Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck?
  • On the Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter # RP85FR, there is a set screw in the block so it should be adjustable. See attached engineering design.
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