How to Unhook the Ranch Hitch 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler If the Cable Breaks

Updated 05/28/2010 | Published 05/27/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter w/8" Offset for Short-Bed Trucks

(229)

$723.26

Replacement Remote Coupler Engagement Cable System for Ranch Hitch Adapter (4-Bolt Plate)

(78)

$89.19

Question:

how do you unhook the trailer if the cable breaks

asked by: travis

Expert Reply:

I went out to the warehouse to check out the latching mechanism on the Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler, item # AM3139, an found that the cable used to release the coupler from the gooseneck ball is attached to an anodized steel plate inside the housing for the latching mechanism. This steel plate is raised and lowered by the cable and when lowered pushes out a galvanized roll pin that secures the coupler to the hitch ball.

If the cable is damaged you would be able to uncouple by removing the four bolts on the latching mechanism cover and moving the latch plate securing the roll pin up. If the cable is frozen in the locked position the cable would need to be removed from the steel latch plate.

If the cable is damaged there would be no way to lock the coupler latch and the cable would need to be replaced before towing the trailer again. The proper replacement part is the Replacement Remote Coupler Engagement Cable System for Ranch Hitch Adapter (4-Bolt Plate), item # AM3112.

expert reply by: Robert G