Troubleshooting Dutton Lainson Coupler Repair Kit Install That Doesn't Seem to Fit Ball Well

Question:

I had bought the trailer hitch repair kit and installed it on the trailer. The latch will not lock down on the ball when its in place. When adjusted to fit on the ball where I can lock the latch down the nut came off. I double checked the trailer and its a D-L 980-2. The repair kit specified it was a fit to replace this latch. Any tips or suggestions you can give to fix this problem would be helpful. Thanks

asked by: Matthew S

Expert Reply:

Are you possibly attempting to use the wrong diameter hitch ball with your coupler? The latch repair kit part # DL13970 that you referenced is the correct kit for your coupler but it is also designed for a 2 inch ball.

The part # DL13968 is a similar repair kit for versions of your coupler that fit a 1-7/8 inch ball.

That said, I attached an install video for you to check out for these repair kits to show you how they should install. Maybe this will help figure out if there's an issue with how yours was put together.

expert reply by: Jameson C