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  1. Adjustable Trailer Coupler
  2. Demco
  3. 2-5/16 Inch Ball Coupler
  4. Coupler Only
  5. 21000 lbs GTW
  6. Auto Latch
Demco Trailer Coupler - Cast - Adjustable Channel - eZ-Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 21K
Demco

Demco Trailer Coupler - Cast - Adjustable Channel - eZ-Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 21K

Part Number: DM14040-81
In Stock
$79.94
Retail:$97.22
You Save: 18%
Adjustable Trailer Coupler
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Cast ball coupler is made of sturdy steel and has a durable black powder coat finish. Composite eZ-Latch ensures fast, easy, secure hookup and disconnect. Adjustable channel bracket and mounting hardware sold separately. 1-800-940-8924 to order Demco adjustable trailer coupler part number DM14040-81 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Demco products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Demco Trailer Coupler - Cast - Adjustable Channel - eZ-Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 21K. Adjustable Trailer Coupler reviews from real customers.
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  • Reviews (650)
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Demco Adjustable Trailer Coupler - DM14040-81

  • 2-5/16 Inch Ball Coupler
  • Coupler Only
  • 21000 lbs GTW
  • Demco
  • Auto Latch
  • 3 Inch Channel
  • Powder Coat Finish

Cast ball coupler is made of sturdy steel and has a durable black powder coat finish. Composite eZ-Latch ensures fast, easy, secure hookup and disconnect. Adjustable channel bracket and mounting hardware sold separately.


Features:

  • Cast ball coupler lets you hook up your trailer to your tow vehicle
    • Provides connection point for hitch ball
  • eZ-Latch mechanism ensures simple, secure hookup and disconnect
    • Lets you hook up when latch is in closed position - just drop coupler over hitch ball and latch will snap into place
  • Corrosion-proof polymer-nylon-resin composite latch handle is durable and impact resistant
    • Sleek low-profile design allows hazards to simply slip over the top of the coupler, preventing damage to latch components
  • Adjustable channel mount lets you change coupler's height depending on application
    • Channel bracket and mounting hardware sold separately
  • Sturdy steel construction
  • Black powder coat finish offers excellent corrosion resistance
    • 500-Hour salt spray rating - great for marine applications
  • SAE J684 certified
  • Made in the USA


Specs:

  • Application: 3" wide channel bracket
  • Ball size: 2-5/16"
  • Weight capacity: 21,000 lbs
  • Coupler dimensions: 8-1/8" long x 2-7/8" wide
  • Diameter of lock pin hole: 5/16"
    • Minimum span needed for pin lock: 3"
  • 1-Year warranty


Coupler Dims

Note: (4) 5/8" Grade 5 mounting bolts must be used to achieve the 21,000-lb weight capacity


eZ-Latch Coupler

Cast Coupler Cutaway

This coupler features a simple-to-use latching mechanism known as the eZ-Latch. With this mechanism, hooking up is as easy as dropping the coupler over your trailer hitch ball. The latch does not need to be tugged or manually activated to allow the ball into the coupler socket, nor does it have to be secured in place. Just make sure that the coupler is properly lined up with the ball when you lower it, and the rest is automatic. Disengaging the coupler is just as effortless. Simply lift up the handle and the coupler socket will automatically release its grip on the ball.


Demco eZ-Latch in Use

The contoured, low-profile design of the latch handle helps protect the coupler from damage by allowing any potential hazards - from debris on the road to your ball mount backing into the coupler - to simply slide over the top. This helps prevent anything from getting under the latch handle and releasing the ball, and it can also limit any damage to the coupler should an impact occur


Unlike most couplers, which have a pin hole on the handle latch, the eZ-Latch coupler features a hole on the side of the coupler itself. Inserting a coupler lock through this hole will keep the latch from lifting, preventing disconnect and theft.


Sturdy, Corrosion-Resistant Construction

Made of sturdy steel, this coupler features a durable black powder coat finish that is designed to limit rust and corrosion. This finish has a 500-hour salt spray rating, making the coupler perfect for marine use.


The eZ-Latch's sleek, ergonomically designed handle is constructed of an impact-resistant polymer-nylon-resin compound that provides the flexibility and strength needed to bounce back from a collision. The handle is corrosion-proof, allowing it to withstand whatever the road and the elements dish out.



14040-81 Demco Trailer Coupler with Easy Latch for Adjustable Channel Bracket - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 21,000 lbs





Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

650 reviews
Review sort icon
Cast ball coupler is made of sturdy steel and has a durable black powder coat finish. Composite eZ-Latch ensures fast, easy, secure hookup and disconnect. Adjustable channel bracket and mounting hardware sold separately.

by:

love these couplers ! they are the best and are easy to open up and when they are pulled up you know it is disconnected !! the best !

I was a little disappointed when I opened the box yesterday and found that there was no keeper pin with the couplers now I have to go to town and find the right size ! I was thinking it would come with one ! should have a option to buy the correct one or just send one with !! thanks

Brooke M. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Brooke M.

5/2/2022

Here is a link to our ion of coupler locks if you are still looking to purchase one.

James S. profile picture

James S.

4/29/2023

by far the best trailer hitch out there ! it is the easiest to unhook and easy to tell when it is locked or unlocked even for a dummy



by:

I love Demco Couplers, they are so easy to use and so well constructed.
I have been changing the couplers on all of my equipment to Demco.
etrailer is the is by far the best place to get them, along with numerous other items like trailer jacks, lights, hitches, etc.
Great customer service, fast shipping, great prices, what more could you ask?

Herald H. profile picture

Herald H.

1/22/2023

Great! Demco Couplers are all I use. I have changed all of my trailers 11 over to Demco couplers from etrailer.com. As I said last year etrailer is my go to supplier for hitches, jacks, light kits, etc.



by:

The coupler is extremely beefy and easy to use. I’d give it 5 stars but the packaging was sub par and has some fairly deep dings in it. I understand it’ll get marks at some point, just not expected to come like this new. Would recommend if the packaging situation got figured out as I’ve seen a couple reviews similar to this



by:

Heavy duty and worked for my application



by:

Well built only used once so far but worked good



by:

Makes it ez



by:

Works great went on perfect fit very pleased with it



by:

Works like it should.



by:

I really like this coupler! Very easy to use, no more fighting to decouple my equipment trailer. Simple to hook up.

Kirk profile picture

Kirk

6/22/2025

This is a great product. I still really like the easy hook up and release. Im now seeing it as the stock coupler on equipment trailers. I also purchased the coupler lock. Good investment!!



by:

Nice Heavy Duty!



by:

This is the best coupler you will ever have. Auto locks when setting the trailer on the ball, just need to insert the retaining lock pin and you’re done. Unhooking is almost as easy with 1 extra step, you have to lift the latch up to release the trailer…!



by:

well built and works great
used it to
replace previous coupler on 14k trailer with 3" c channel



by:

Well made and fast shipping



by:

I will never have any other coupler than Demco on any bumper pull trailer on my farm. I am done struggling with other couplers either being hard to couple or hard to release.



by:

I installed the coupler Saturday, pulled the trailer yesterday for the first time since I put it on. It made a big difference in the handling of the trailer. Because of the wear on the old coupler, this took the tongue bounce out of the trailer.



by:

Everything as advertised. This is a heavy duty coupler! I would purchase again if needed.



by:

This is the best hitch on the market! I've changed over all 4 of my trailers to this hitch. Simple hook/unhook, releases off the ball smooth, no pins to mess with. The included steel bracket (product #DM6125-81) is super heavy duty & so is the hitch itself, plenty heavy for any 2 5/16" trailer. I hacked off my existing hitches w a cutoff saw, welded a plate then the bracket and did each of my trailers , w paint, in less than an hour.



by:

It's a good trailer coupler, but sadly, someone from etrailer failed to properly package the coupler or I was sent a used one. Either way, I'm not happy with this purchase. Maybe someone from etrailer will contact me and we can have the issue resolved.

Gwendolyn Y. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Gwendolyn Y.

12/16/2024

Hey Greg. This isn't an experience we want our neighbors to have. I am more than happy to get a replacement shipped out to you, keep an eye out for some emails with tracking information.



by:

Super fast shipping.



by:

This is the third one I've bought. You just back up, drop it on the hitch and it's hooked up.!) To disconnect, you just lift the lever handle (so smooth and easy) and it's loose. Eliminates all the frustration and works smoothly. Great product!



by:

Definitely.A great hitch would have liked to see a pin to hold the latch down. Otherwise great product really heavy duty



by:

Best coupler I have found. Have converted three trailers to these. When moving a trailer with a ball hitch adapter on a piece of equipment (3-point hitch on a tractor in our case), the auto-latch feature lets you attach to the trailer without getting off the machine.



by:

solid build, heavy.
This is installed
on a dump trailer so we needed a cast hitch--the original was steel and the gusset underneath bent with use and abuse to the point of only being functional with the aid of a 5LB hammer.
I had to grind a little on the back end to make the bolts align to both holes (maybe 1/16th?) but other than that, it is a step up from the original hitch.
Yes, I know this will void any warranty.



by:

Great replacement coupler, however be aware it does not include the pin lock. So essentially it is non usable until a pin lock is acquired. That in itself seems easy until you try and find a 5/16 diameter that is at least 3.5 inches long locally to use quick.



by:

Worked perfect with the adjustable weld on channel. Was able to drop the ball coupler 10” from the old lunette height on an M1101 military trailer. Not a lot of fab work, just a couple of 3/8” plates and bolted them up and welded the channel on an bolted the ball coupler at the height I needed to level the trailer when towing with my Jeep Galdiator.

Mike L. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

5/6/2026

Thanks for the photos Troy, that's a nice setup!!


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See what our Experts say about this Demco Adjustable Trailer Coupler

  • Help Understanding and Achieving the 21K Weight Capacity of Demco Trailer Coupler # DM14040-81
    First I want to make sure you verify your channel mount for the Demco Trailer Coupler # DM14040-81 has a 21K or larger capacity as often times they are less like the Demco # DM15349-52 which often times people look at and think it is a channel mount like the coupler so it has to be rated the same. The other big hang up most people have is the see the Hardware # DM6166 only being grade 5 instead of grade 8 which should be stronger. The big difference is while grade 8 bolts allow for more...
    view full answer...
  • Coupler Lock Recommendation for Demco EZ Latch Style Coupler
    The Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 3" Channel - Bolt On - 18K # DM14040-81 has an integrated 5/16 inch pin hole with a 3 inch span for that lockable feature. I recommend using the Trailer Coupler Lock # e98888 which has a 3-3/8 inch span and is 1/4 inch diameter.
    view full answer...
  • How To Replace Surge Brake Shocks On Demco Actuator On 2004 Heritage Boat Trailer
    Thank you for the image of your setup Steve. I do not know what the manufacturer was thinking when they welded in the Demco Actuator on your boat trailer. With how it was installed there is no way for you to access that rear pin without drilling a hole through the frame. They should have installed either the Disc # DM8205222 or Drum # DM8202232 brake actuator which would sit on top of the A-Frame and allow you to access all components of the hitch. If you decide this is the best way to...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • How Do The Mounting Holes On The Demco Coupler DM14040-81 Measure?
    Hi Shawn! The mounting holes on the Demco Trailer Coupler - Cast - Adjustable Channel # DM14040-81 measure 2" on center (which I included a quick diagram of). It is typically used with something like the 6-Hole Adjustable Channel Bracket - Weld On - 12" Tall - 21,000 lbs # DM66134. Do you know how your mounting holes measure? We probably have other options if it isn't the same as this.
    view full answer...
  • Can I Use 5/8" Pins Instead Of Bolts For The Demco Trailer Coupler DM14040-81
    Hello Lee, that is a good question. We do not recommend using 5/8" pins to hold the Demco # DM14040-81 coupler into the channel. The manufacturer specifies that grade 5 mounting bolts must be used in order to achieve the full 21,000 lb weight capacity. Using pins instead of bolts will reduce the weight rating to an unknown amount, and you will risk equipment failure. Even though you will only be towing around 10K I cannot in good conscience recommend using pins instead of bolts. For added...
    view full answer...
  • Can I Tow w/ the InfiniteRule Lock for Demco eZ-Latch Trailer Couplers IR66FR Installed?
    Yes, you can so long as your Demco EZ latch coupler is cast like item # DM14040-81 or item # DM37ZR. The InfiniteRule Lock for Demco eZ-Latch Trailer Couplers item # IR66FR works great with these couplers whether they're being towed or parked.
    view full answer...
  • Lock for Demco EZ Latch Coupler # DM114041-8
    Hey Alan, yes we do have locks for the Demco EZ latch coupler # DM14040-81 that you referenced with the InfiniteRule Lock part # IR66FR.
    view full answer...
  • What to Do If Coupler is Designed to Fit Wider Trailer Channel
    Hey Steve, so I think you maybe worded what you were trying to explain backwards but I know what you are asking about. If the coupler was designed to fit a slightly wider frame channel what is best way to take up the extra room? In that situation we recommending having thin spacers welded to either side of the frame channel. So for a difference of 1/8 inch you'd want to have 1/16 inch spacers welded on either side.
    view full answer...
  • Inexpensive Coupler For A 3" Channel On A Small Wood Chipper
    Hi Ross! Do you know the bolt hole spread on your channel? Both of the below options have a 2" on center bolt pattern and is the typical measurement, but let me know if your spacing is different. Pro Series Adjustable-Channel Coupler w/ Low Latch - 2-5/16" Ball - 14,000 lbs # PSA256S0303 Demco Trailer Coupler - Cast - Adjustable Channel - eZ-Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 21K # DM14040-81 The Demco coupler is a little more expensive than the Pro Series coupler, but I very much prefer...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Lock For A Demco 2-5/16" EZ Latch Coupler
    You certainly can use the Trimax Coupler lock # TMX47FR with the Demco 2-5/16" Ez latch coupler like the # DM14040-81. The Demco coupler is 2-7/8" wide on the outside so it will undoubtedly fit with the Trimax lock, which is more or less universal. That being said, if you need a lock for the Demco EZ latch, I recommend the InfiniteRule Lock # IR66FR which is made specifically for the 2-5/16" Demco EZ Latch couplers so it will be a perfect fit.
    view full answer...
  • Torque Needed For Bolts on Demco Channel Mounted Coupler
    Good question; the bolts in the Hardware Kit for Demco Adjustable Channel Mount Couplers # DM6166 should be torqued to 150 lb-ft during install of a Demco coupler like # DM14040-81 to a bracket like # DM66134.
    view full answer...
  • Locking Coupler Pin Capable Of Fitting A Demco eZ-Latch Coupler With 2-5/16 Hitch Ball
    You will need to use the etrailer Coupler Lock # e98888 with your Demco Trailer Coupler # DM14040-81. The InfiniteRule Lock is only for a 2" Demco eZ-Latch coupler. The etrailer lock above is longer to fit your wider coupler.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Lock for Demco eZ-Latch Coupler
    To secure your PJ Trailer that's equipped with the Demco eZ-Latch Coupler # DM14040-81 I highly recommend the Fastway Universal Trailer Coupler Lock # FA86-0015-318, which doesn't require a lip on the coupler for a proper connection. This is a heavy-duty lock that uses a ball and shackle to prevent potential thieves from coupling their truck to the trailer and taking off. Its hardened chrome-plated construction will resist corrosion and the bolt-blocked locking system prevents the lock...
    view full answer...
  • Can Coupler Pin Be Added To Demco Trailer Coupler
    Yes, you can use a coupler pin or safety pin with the Demco Trailer Coupler # DM14040-81. A pin like the # 37201211 will fit the 5/16" pin hole or you can use the etrailer Surge Brake Coupler Lock # e98888 if you want even more security.
    view full answer...
  • How to Lock Demco 21K Adjustable Channel Trailer Coupler
    The Demco Adjustable Channel Trailer Couplers like the 21K # DM14040-81 use 5/8" diameter bolts for attachment to the adjustable channel, so you could potentially replace them with 5/8" locking pins like etrailer.com # e98881. Please keep in mind though that Demco does state that the standard Grade 5 mounting bolts # PS024202 do need to be used to achieve/maintain the coupler's 21,000 pound weight capacity. With this in mind I don't recommend doing this, as this could potentially lower...
    view full answer...
  • Can Auto Latch of Demco Trailer Coupler # DM14040-81 Be Operated with Pin Lock In Place
    If you had a pin lock inserted in the coupler part # DM14040-81 that you referenced it would not auto-latch onto the hitch ball. The latch portion would not be able to slide up to let the ball pass. If you check out the picture I attached you can see that the pin hole would prevent that.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Availability of Demco EZ Latch Couplers for 2 inch Ball that Fits Adjustable Channel
    That part number BC21014 is actually the part number for a Demco coupler decal and not for an actual ball mount. I was able to determine that your coupler uses a 2 inch ball from the sticker though. For a channel mount style Demco EZ latch coupler we have the part # DM14976-52. If you have a different style of coupler I attached a page that has all of the 2 inch Demco couplers we offer.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Lock for Demco DM14040-81 Coupler
    The # BLTL-23 Blaylock coupler lock is compatible with a very specific type of coupler, the CollarLok like our part # BD028499, so it wouldn't be a good fit for a coupler like the Demco # DM14040-81. A lock like the # FA86-0015-316 or a latch type lock such as # 2847DAT would be your best fits.
    view full answer...
  • Locking Pin Recommendation for Demco EZ Latch Coupler
    Hey Jace, for your Demco EZ Latch coupler we have the InfiniteRule Lock part # IR66FR which was designed to fit your coupler and lock the latch mechanism. In the attached picture you can see it fits the coupler tightly on the sides so it would be very difficult to cut off. This is your best lock option for your trailer but we don't have any locks for the bolts of the coupler. Have you had a trailer or anything else stolen?
    view full answer...
  • Coupler Lock For Demco 5/16 EZ Latch Coupler
    For your Demco Trailer Coupler - Cast - Adjustable Channel # DM14040-81, I recommend the etrailer Surge Brake Coupler Lock # e98888, which has a 1/4" diameter and a 3-3/8" span. Its large span is ideal for 2 5/16" balls, and, can be keyed alike to match other etrailer branded products.
    view full answer...
  • Best Coupler Lock Solution for Shocker Hitch Air Cushioned Trailer Coupler
    Your Shocker Hitch Air Cushioned Trailer Coupler # SHK73RR uses an eZ-Latch coupler like what we see with the Demco # DM14040-81 so to secure this style of coupler I recommend using the etrailer Coupler Lock # e98888 when you have your trailer coupled to your tow vehicle, and then the Trimax Dual Purpose Coupler Lock and U-Lock # TMX67FR when your trailer is parked and unhitched. There are some more cost-effective solutions like the Curt Tri-Ball Trailer Coupler Lock # C48CR, but this...
    view full answer...
  • Best Keyed Alike Trailer Coupler Lock
    Yes, we do have a lock that is keyed alike that will fit a coupler like the Demco Trailer Coupler item # DM14040-81. It is the Fastway Universal Trailer Coupler Lock item # FA86-0015-318. If you order multiples of the part # FA86-0015-318, they will all have key number 318, part # FA86-0015-313 will have key 313 and so on. This lock fits 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16" couplers. I attached a videp below that shows more about this lock.
    view full answer...
  • Wheel Lock Solution for Trailer that Was Stolen that Had Demco Coupler
    That is a super frustrating story. There isn't really a great way to lock the Demco coupler part # DM14040-81 to a trailer but a better option might be a wheel lock like the part # 288-02020 which would at as a theft deterrant. Somebody must have really planned out the theft of that trailer though as they had tools to remove the coupler and seemingly had the same coupler or drug it off by the safety chains.
    view full answer...
  • Is the BOLT Trailer Coupler Lock # BL7025285 Compatible with the Demco Trailer Coupler # DM14040-81
    Since the Demco Trailer Coupler # DM14040-81 that you referenced has a lock pin hole with a diameter of 5/16" and a minimum span of 3" for the pin lock, the BOLT Trailer Coupler Lock # BL7025285 that you referenced is compatible. The pin diameter is 5/16" and it has a 1/2" - 3-3/8" inside pin length span.
    view full answer...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Laura H
Updated by:
Laura H
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Amanda M
Updated by:
Amanda M
Employee Isabelle B
Updated by:
Isabelle B
Employee Dustin K
Video Edited:
Dustin K
Employee Zach D
Video Edited:
Zach D
Employee John S
Video Edited:
John S
Employee Cole B
Installed by:
Cole B
Employee Bruce K
Installed by:
Bruce K
Employee Bradley B
Test Fit:
Bradley B
Employee Matthew G
Video by:
Matthew G

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