Troubleshooting a Faulty Brake Actuator Coupler That Will Not Reattach to Hitch Ball

Updated 05/22/2012 | Published 05/20/2012

Question:

I couldnt get my trailer off my ball 2 inch and with some muscle did. The tongue will not fall down so I cant reattach as well. Can I replace anything on the assembly to correct this without having to replace the whole coupler? What is another straight coupler that I can replace this with without the braking system?

asked by: Vance

Expert Reply:

When you say the tongue will not fall down, it sounds like the shock in the actuator may need to be replaced. There may be a few other parts that could be rusted, bent or broken.

Replacing parts in the brake actuator coupler is not an easy task and usually requires a mechanically inclined person. Another factor to consider is that by the time you purchase all of the replacement parts you are better off replacing the entire coupler and having all new parts.

I would not recommend replacing your actuator coupler with a non-braking coupler because most states will require the use of brakes on certain trailers. It would be possible to replace your actuator coupler with a standard coupler and add an electric-over-hydraulic actuator like the Titan BrakeRite I Plug and Play Electric-Hydraulic Actuator Kit # T4813102, however, this would not be as cost effective as just replacing your coupler. Also since you have drum brakes, the # T4813102 would need a reducer # T4844100 to go with it.

If you want to look further into adding a standard coupler and an electric-over-hydraulic actuator, I have attached an article on parts needed to add electric-over-hydraulic drum brakes and a link to all of our standard couplers that will fit on a 3 inch tongue.

expert reply by: John H