Towing trailers

  • #2328817

    I have a utility trailer with a yolk latch coupler for a 2 inch ball. I cannot for the life of me figure out whether I need a 2 inch ball with a longer shank or if my coupler components are not working ad they should. I have sent some pictures showing what I’m dealing with. I feel so simple right now because I have never had this problem with any other trailer. Just purchased this one and after driving it home I realize the coupler was not latched properly. What am I doing wrong? Or do I need a longer shank ball? Please and thank you for your help.

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    Mike Schulz
    Osakis/Long Prairie
    Posts: 2211
    #2328823

    1 7/8 ball maybe needed for that.. just wondering.. or some adjusting

    Curt
    Posts: 118
    #2328825

    There is an adjustment under the hitch coupler. Lots don’t know it’s there. Lay on the ground and make sure it hasn’t loosened up.

    OG Net_Man
    Posts: 905
    #2328827

    I am not a expert but I have never heard of a ball with a different shank length clearance.

    Usually the coupler is just bolted on to the frame. If you can not resolve the problem then I would replace the coupler unless some one else has more insight.

    #2328829

    This trailer is a 1993 and the coupler is an a frame that is welded to the angle iron beneath it. I was wagching a how to video earlier this afternoon and i saw a part about extended shanks for certain couplers and i thoight maybe i had this oddball coupler. Nope. I looked for adjustments and found none. However after getting a flashlight and inspecting the inside of the coupler housing I found a little flange that was keeping the other component from doing its job. I thank you guys for your quick response you’ve saved me time and more headache.

    Pailofperch
    Central Mn North of the smiley water tower
    Posts: 3254
    #2328839

    So, without working with your exact combo I will say this. It always works better to set the trailer coupler about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way onto the ball, and once the weight is starting to transfer onto the ball from the jack, then pull the trailer onto the ball. Some couplers will not go on with any pressure on the coupler at all. That little flange you found will hang up with any pressure on it at all. Sorry if this was over explaining sometime you already knew, but it’s how I’ve taught my boys to hookup trailers. After they start doing it this way, they’ve never had another problem. As long as the equipment is the correct sizes.

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