Should Trailer Coupler Latches Be Set With A Little Wiggle Room

Updated 06/26/2024 | Published 06/19/2024

Question:

Should couplers wiggle inside the adjustable Lynette plates or should the be tightened to draw in and prevent coupler wiggle?

asked by: Robbie

Expert Reply:

Hey Robbie,

A slight amount of wiggle room is necessary for a trailer coupler like the Demco # DM16680-52 you were looking at. If the latch mechanism is too tight then you wouldn't be able to get coupled to the hitch ball and the latch would scrape against the ball when making a turn and eventually wear the latch or start cutting into the hitch ball. Most couplers have an adjustment screw or nut on the bottom to adjust this tightness.

expert reply by: Kevin C