Potential Causes for Trailer Coupler to Disengage from Hitch Ball
Question:
2019 trailer bought 2nd hand jumps off ball, Replaced the coupler still happens, called manufacturers they said replace tounge! It’s brand new, any suggestions?
asked by: Dewitt
Expert Reply:
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 multi-fit couplers such as # T2343400183. These can function correctly on more than one ball size so long as they are properly tightened. Make sure your hitch ball is not damaged and is the size that works with the coupler on your trailer.
Since you already replaced your coupler and the odds of two new ones both being bad are pretty small, I wonder if your hitched vehicle/trailer setup has the trailer's frame out of level. Trailers always tow better when they are level with the ground when hitched to your vehicle. If the heights of the vehicle and trailer are very different, meaning the trailer frame is angled up when it is hitched, this could be the source of the problem.
The other possible cause is that the loading of the trailer has the tongue weight (TW, the weight pushing down on the hitch ball) too far below the recommended 10 to 15% range. In general a properly loaded trailer's TW should be in this range to both keep it coupled to the vehicle and to avoid the trailer sway that can occur if TW is too low. Trailers that are too light at the tongue (which also means they are too heavy at the rear) can develop sway issues since that weight at the rear of the trailer can start to swing like the pendulum on a clock.
I recommend using a tongue weight scale like # e99044 to ensure your loaded trailer TW is between 10 and 15% of the trailer's gross weight.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
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on Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler
William K.
3/30/2020
I have a trailer with the multi-fit ball coupler . How tight should the adjuster be tightened ? I havent found anything that tells me how tight to tighten it . I lubricate the ball daily when Im using the trailer and Ive been snugging it to the ball and then backing off two clicks .Please provide info if there is a recommended tightness.