Troubleshooting Latch Not Fully Engaging on Ram Coupler
Question:
My travel trailer has an A-frame mounted wrap-around yoke style coupler, RAM SAE CSA CLASS 4 DO NOT EXCEED 8000 LBSinch stamped on top. When the yoke drops over the nose of the coupler and the latch handle is pulled down to secure the yoke, the latch tips do not fully seat into the corresponding slots on top of the coupler. This causes a misalignment in the latch handle holes and hole in the tab on the top of the coupler see image, and as such the locking bolt cannot pass though. The part underneath the coupler that slides to engage the hitch ball dont know the name of the part appears to obstruct the free range of the locking tips. Notes: this problem is a recent development, until recently the bolt passed through the holes properly with this coupler model, there doesnt appear to be provisions for adjustments. I am at a loss how the problem occurred or how to correct it without removing the entire coupler from the trailer A-frame and re-welding a replacement. Any insights would be appreciated.
asked by: Don B
Expert Reply:
The first thing that comes to mind is that there might be some debris or corrosion that's preventing the latch handle from fully engaging when pulled down. I recommend giving the coupler a thorough inspection, both on top of the unit around the latch and inside the coupler, cleaning out as best you can any debris and corrosion that could be causing the issue.
If this doesn't resolve the problem then something may have gotten bent somehow on the mechanism. I can't be sure as to what would have actually caused it but if this is the case then I do recommend replacing the coupler altogether to ensure a safe attachment with the tow vehicle.
To replace your existing Ram coupler the etrailer.com # CA-5210-B will work perfectly.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
A-Frame Trailer Coupler - Yoke Latch - Black - 2" Ball - Weld On - 8,000 lbs
- A-Frame Trailer Coupler
- Standard Coupler
- Weld-On
- 8000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- Yoke Latch
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer tool box
- Search Results: spare tire mount
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the etrailer Spare Tire Mount for Trailer with Angle-Iron Railing
- Shop: Loadstar ST205/75D15 Trailer Tire with Silver Mod Wheel - 5 on 5
- Shop: etrailer Spare Tire Mount for Trailer with Angle-Iron Railing - Clamp On
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Tool Box - A-Frame - Aluminum - 3.4 Cu Ft - 34" Long - Matte Black
- Shop: A-Frame Trailer Coupler - Yoke Latch - Black - 2" Ball - Weld On - 8,000 lbs
- Video: The Low-Down on the Curt RockerBall Shock Absorbing 2-5/16" Hitch Ball
- Video: Curt ShockDrop Technology Manufacturer Spotlight
- Shop: Curt RockerBall Shock Absorbing 2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter Shank - Chrome - 3.5K
- Shop: Curt RockerBall Shock Absorbing 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter Shank - Chrome - 7.5K
- Search Results: a frame toolbox
- Shop: Demco Cast Head Coupler w/ Jack Hole - eZ-Latch - 2" Ball - A-Frame - Bolt-On - 10K
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the A-Frame Trailer Coupler
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the A-Frame Trailer Coupler w/ Round Jack Hole
- Q&A: Replacement Coupler Recommendation for Damaged A-Frame Coupler
- Q&A: Solution for Attach Coupler to A-Frame that Would Need to Be Extended 1977 Apache Roamer
- Q&A: Bolt Hole Dimensions on Demco A-Frame Coupler # DM14793-81
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: All About the etrailer Spare Tire Mount for Trailer with Angle-Iron Railing
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer jack