Trailer Coupler - Adjustable Channel Mount - Squeeze Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 15,000 lbs

Part Number: CTA-280

115 Reviews | 16 Questions

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Product Images

etrailer adjustable trailer coupler only 3 inch channel

etrailer adjustable trailer coupler only 3 inch channel - mount squeeze latch black 2-5/16 ball 15 000 lbs

etrailer adjustable trailer coupler 2-5/16 inch ball cta-280

etrailer adjustable trailer coupler 3 inch channel 2-5/16 ball cta-280

etrailer adjustable trailer coupler 3 inch channel cta-280

etrailer adjustable trailer coupler only 2-5/16 inch ball cta-280

etrailer adjustable trailer coupler only

etrailer adjustable trailer coupler 3 inch channel 2-5/16 ball

etrailer adjustable trailer coupler only 2-5/16 inch ball - channel mount squeeze latch black 15 000 lbs

etrailer adjustable trailer coupler only - channel mount squeeze latch black 2-5/16 inch ball 15 000 lbs

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0 adjustable trailer coupler etrailer only 2-5/16 inch ball cta-280

0 adjustable trailer coupler etrailer only 3 inch channel in use

0 adjustable trailer coupler etrailer only - channel mount squeeze latch black 2-5/16 inch ball 15 000 lbs

0 adjustable trailer coupler etrailer only 3 inch channel - mount squeeze latch black 2-5/16 ball 15 000 lbs

0 adjustable trailer coupler etrailer 3 inch channel cta-280

0 adjustable trailer coupler etrailer only in use

0 adjustable trailer coupler etrailer 3 inch channel 2-5/16 ball in use

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Trailer Coupler - Adjustable Channel Mount - Squeeze Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 15,000 lbs customer photo

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Videos

Ultimate Overview of the Trailer Coupler

In-Depth Review of the Trailer Coupler

Test Fitting the etrailer Adjustable Channel Mount Trailer Coupler - M1101 Military Trailer

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Coupler adjusts to match the height on different tow vehicles, allowing for a variety of applications. Squeeze both levers on latch to open ball socket. Grade 8 mounting bolts are included. Adjustable channel bracket is sold separately. 1-800-940-8924 to order etrailer adjustable trailer coupler part number CTA-280 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all etrailer products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Trailer Coupler - Adjustable Channel Mount - Squeeze Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 15,000 lbs. Adjustable Trailer Coupler reviews from real customers.

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Reviews (115)
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etrailer Adjustable Trailer Coupler - CTA-280

Features:

Ball coupler lets you hook up your trailer to your tow vehicle
- Provides connection point for hitch ball
Squeeze latch with pin assembly allows for safe and easy coupling and uncoupling
- Remove pin and squeeze both levers together to open ball socket
Channel bracket (sold separately) lets you adjust the coupler's height to match different tow vehicles
- Grade 8 mounting hardware included
Sturdy steel construction
Black powder coat finish provides corrosion resistance
SAE J684 certified

Specs:

Application: 3" wide channel bracket
Ball size: 2-5/16"
Length: 8-1/2" from center of mounting hole to front edge
Distance between mounting holes: 2" on center
Pin hole diameter: 5/16"
- Minimum span needed for pin or pin lock: 1-3/16"
Weight capacity: 15,000 lbs
1-Year warranty

CTA-280 Ram Adjustable Trailer Coupler - Squeeze Latch - 2-5/16" Ball - Black - 15,000 lbs

Customer Satisfaction Score:

100% were satisfied with this product

0% of customers were not satisfied

etrailer mistake
Product did not meet expectations
Wrong item was ordered

0% of customers were not satisfied

etrailer mistake
Product did not meet expectations
Wrong item was ordered

4.8

115 reviews

5 Stars		(105)
4 Stars		(5)
3 Stars		(1)
2 Stars		(1)
1 Star		(3)

by: Brian 09/01/2026 One Year Later

works well.solid hitch

by: James 10/23/2026

Ver fast shipping. Also a fast response to a question i asked online. Everything i have purchased from there has been good. I appreciate their efficiency. Rather buy from company direct than thru Amazon

Mike L.

10/24/2026

Thanks James, we appreciate that!

by: Steven 03/28/2026

I put this on a 7000 lb trailer. Overkill? Yup, but superior to what was on it. I have it on other trailers and love the ease of use along with strength. Some it belongs others it doesn't but I know it's staying put.

by: Richard 09/03/2025

Exact part, little tight fit but i think it the paint not the part

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by: Tony 09/26/2025

Just what I needed

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by: Frederick 11/13/2025

This is a hefty heavy-duty coupler. Perfect for my trailering needs!

by: Zach 01/20/2026

Very good quality and heavy duty!

by: Scott 05/27/2026

fast and excellent products.

by: Jeff 09/19/2025

etrailer always has the right stuff and fast shipping.
Great pricing is just another bonus!

by: Steven 01/26/2020

The products purchased are good quality. Customer Service is excellent. Thank you

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by: Daniel 04/23/2026

Fits and works perfect

by: Keith 04/22/2026

Just as described

by: Frankie 01/08/2026

Fit great!

Mike L.

1/8/2026

I'm glad to hear that Frankie!

by: Arthur S. 09/28/2019

Excellent coupler. Much heaver than the one I took off. It's much easier to couple and uncouple from the truck. The coupler I replaced was rated at 14000 lbs and this new one is rated at 15000 lbs.

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by: Matt K. 03/29/2016

I purchased this coupler because I have one on another trailer and I like the fact that the locking pin is attached. Additionally, it works so much easier than the bulldog coupler I am replacing plus you can lock it in the open position for attaching the vehicle.

by: Ron P. 10/03/2017 One Year Later

I purchased this coupler about a year ago and so far it has worked flawlessly. It is easy to use, when locked it seems to be a very clean hook up and has performed well both summer and winter in Minnesota where the freezing weather and snow can be a problem. I will purchase another one for my other trailer it works so well.

Ron P. One Year Later

10/3/2018

Another year has gone by and I have nothing but good things to say about this coupler. I have several of these couplers and all of them are holding up well in our Minnesota winters. No corrosion or stickiness to them. The only maintainance we have done on them is to spray them occasionally with WD-40. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

by: Gregory 01/23/2020

One of my favorite couplers! Easy to use with gloves and positive locking with a hitch pin. Quick arrival as well.

by: Logan 11/26/2025

Great product.

by: Kevin 03/07/2020

This company is excellent! They have things I didn’t
even know I needed. Quick turn around time. Couldn’t be easier to get lights, hitches, jacks, brake controls (electric or electric over hydraulic). Been using this company for years and never had a problem.

by: Ray S. 03/13/2019

JUST WHAT I NEEDED FOR MY TRAILER . COULDN'T HAVE WORKED ANY BETTER
THANK YOU
RAY S.

Ray S. One Year Later

3/14/2020

JUST WHAT I NEEDED FOR MY TRAILER . COULDNT HAVE WORKED ANY BETTER THANK YOU

by: Jamar 12/22/2017

i bought this product to replace a sticking coupler and it has worked out great for me! Very easy to use and the locking pin for extra safety is a plus.

by: Extremely Poor Customer Service 09/06/2023

The estimated delivery tool, and confirmation email was misleading, effectively making me lose a bid on a trailer because the hitch was not delivered on time. Not only did customer service not apologize, but they then charged me $[XX] to ship it back. I will never use etrailer again. Stay away, they are getting too high and mighty, losing sight of customers.

by: Bruce M 12/18/2019 One Year Later

I've had this product for a year and has been a great replacement for my much older design. The tonnage has proven tough, and has been pushed to it's limits with my loaded trailer. A great design for continual use. I have it on a 4k lb Walton dump trailer that has had up to 10k lb in it. Seemed like my truck was more concerned than my link to the trailer. Thanks eTrailer.

by: Scotty C. 06/27/2016

I like this coupler a lot. It is of a heavy duty cast material with a locking lever and a safety pin that's connected to the coupler so you don't lose it. Even came with mounting bolts, as shown. Very fast shipping. I'm impressed.

by: Tim H 10/05/2019 One Year Later

excellent heavy duty hitch at a good price and super fast shipping

115

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See what our Experts say about this etrailer Adjustable Trailer Coupler

Do you have a question about this Adjustable Trailer Coupler?

Trouble Disconnecting a Trailer Coupler from a Hitch Ball
Hey Dan! We run into this problem frequently. The first thing I recommend doing is to make sure you jack your trailer as far up as possible when you're unhooking from your tow vehicle. Like to the point you lift your ball mount a bit. This will take all the weight off of the latch mechanism. Secondly, go ahead and use some WD-40 and just soak your coupler over and over again when it's disconnected and make sure you get into every corner and crevasse. This will clean out any gunk and debris....
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Is There a Difference Between Curt & etrailer Adjustable Channel Mount 15k Coupler
The only difference between the Curt Channel-Mount Coupler - Squeeze Latch - 2-5/16" Ball - 15,000 lbs # C25328 and Trailer Coupler - Adjustable Channel Mount - Squeeze Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 15,000 lbs # CTA-280 is the manufacturer. Curt makes the # C25328 while Ram makes the # CTA-280, but and while neither is made in the USA we do have an option for that if you'd like. The Buyers Products Cast Coupler - Adjustable Channel Mount - Auto Latch - 2-5/16" Ball - 15K # 3370091550...
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What is the Outside Width of Adjustable Channel Mount Trailer Coupler CTA-280
The overall width of channel mount coupler # CTA-280 where it attaches to a channel is slightly less than 3 inches to fit a 3 inch bracket such as # CTA-CB126 which has an inside width of 3 inches. I have linked videos of both of these parts for you. In your picture the width of where the coupler mounts to the channel is actually slightly wider than where you are measuring so it does appear that you have the standard 2-7/8 inch wide coupler. All of the channel mount couplers we carry have...
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Torque Specs for Install Bolts of Coupler Part # CTA-280
The bolts for channel mount coupler # CTA-280 have the markings for grade 8 bolts. They are 5/8 inch coarse threaded bolts so the minimum torque value is 159 and the max is 212 (foot pounds). Once torqued down the force will cause the metal of the channel to flex inward some.
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Recommended Locks for 2-5/16-Inch Squeeze-Latch Type Trailer Coupler
To secure your squeeze-latch type coupler such as # CTA-280 you can use a latch pin lock such as # 2847DAT with a coupler lock such as # FA86-0015-312 or the Master Lock # ML389DAT.
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Up and Down Play with etrailer.com Trailer Coupler # CTA-280 When Mounted to Channel
The etrailer.com Trailer Coupler # CTA-280 that you referenced can have a bit of up and down play like what you described when mounted to a channel like # CTA-CB126. As long as you have the bolts tightened down to the correct torque spec (159-212 foot pounds for the included grade 8 bolts) this is not cause for concern. Normal manufacturer variances such as the amount of powder coat applied can result in this type of movement.
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Mounting Bolt Size for the Trailer Coupler # CTA-280
The Grade 8 mounting bolts that come with the Trailer Coupler # CTA-280 have a 5/8" diameter and an overall length of 5-1/8" including the head. Without the head of the bolts they measured 4-13/16".
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Can Ball Tension be Adjusted on CTA-280 Trailer Coupler
There is no way to adjust the tension on the ball on the Trailer Coupler - Adjustable Channel Mount - Squeeze Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 15,000 lbs # CTA-280. There will always be some amount of play to allow for movement. If it was too tight the ball would not be able to move when turning or going over bumps which would cause other problems. If you find that there is excessive play between the coupler and the ball you need to replace the coupler.
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Is There a Replacement Squeeze Latch for the Trailer Coupler Adjustable Channel Mount CTA-280
There are no replacement parts for the Trailer Coupler - Adjustable Channel Mount - Squeeze Latch part # CTA-280 so if the latch is not working correctly you will need to replace the entire coupler.
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Trailer Coupler Lock for a Coupler with Large Lip
You can use Master Lock # ML389DAT for coupler # CTA-280. Another option is to use a latch lock so that the latch cannot be opened. Most latches, if they can accept a lock, will take a 1/4 diameter pin such as # e98888 or # 3008.
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Coupler Lock Recommendations for etrailer Adjustable Channel Mount Coupler # CTA-280
You have some options to use a lock on coupler # CTA-280. First, you could use a latch lock, # e98883. Its diameter is slightly less (1/4 inches) than the pin hole diameter for the latch (5/16 inches). Another option is # ML389DAT which works with many styles of couplers and would be a great option for your coupler. I have linked videos of both locks for you.
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Solution for Trailer Coupler - Adjustable Channel Mount # CTA-280 Needing Squeeze Latch
There are no replacement parts for the Trailer Coupler - Adjustable Channel Mount - Squeeze Latch part # CTA-280 so if the latch is not working correctly you will need to replace the entire coupler.
view full answer...
What Size Channel Does the Trailer Coupler CTA-280 Fit
Sounds like you are trying to determine what the # CTA-280 would fit. It was designed to fit 3 inch channel like the part # CTA-CB126. The distance between the mounting holes is 2 inch on center and the hole diameters are 5/16 inch. I attached a review video on this for you to check out as well.
view full answer...
Could Bolt On Coupler # CTA-280 Be Unbolted and Stolen
There isn't a locking solution for the bolt on couplers like the Trailer Coupler # CTA-280 that you referenced but someone would have to have the needed tools and the correct coupler on hand to then reinstall on the trailer so that they could drive off with it. That's not a totally impossible scenario but pretty unlikely. You might be interested in a wheel lock like the # 288-02020 as well as this would lock the trailer regardless of the coupler style.
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How Much Does Traler Coupler part # CTA-280 Weigh
The Trailer Coupler # CTA-280 that you referenced weighs 14 lbs. I attached a review video for this coupler for you to check out as well.
view full answer...
2-5/16" Coupler For Demco DA10 DM8101522 Actuator
Hi Jim! It looks like you found the etrailer Trailer Coupler - Adjustable Channel Mount - Squeeze Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 15,000 lbs # CTA-280 already and I wanted to confirm it will fit the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator # DM8101522, so you chose well! The # CTA-280 will fit 3" channels (which your actuator has) and has 2" bolt hole spacing on center (which your actuator also has). The coupler also has 15,000 pounds of capacity, so it will actually be rated a bit higher than your...
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Info for this part was:

Expert Research:

Michael H

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Expert Research:

Adam R

Installed by:

Cole B

Installed by:

Adam E

Video Edited:

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Video Edited:

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Updated by:

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Updated by:

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Written by:

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Test Fit:

Kurt W

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