Troubleshooting Difficulty Getting Ball Properly Connected into Trailer Coupler # 80281

Expert Reply:

I went out to the warehouse and pulled an Atwood Trailer Coupler, # 80281, and a 2-5/16 inch diameter ball, # 19286, to do a little testing. I found that the coupler can be a little finicky. If the latch is not pushed all the way down and out (toward the trailer), you will have trouble getting the ball to come out.

I found that I had to push the latch lever down, pull it back (toward the trailer), and once it was all the way back, push it down some more while making sure it was pulled all the way back. Some lubrication may make the moving parts in the coupler work a little better. Use SAE 30 oil to lubricate the moving parts. You can lubricate the ball socket using Trailer Hitch Grease, # L10337.

If the trouble persists, there could be a problem with one of the internal springs. Since this is a closed unit, there is no access to the internal latching mechanism to make repairs or replace parts. Make sure that the trailer and tow vehicle are level when coupling the trailer to the ball and that the ball has a 2-5/16 inch diameter.

expert reply by: Michael H