Tips for Difficult to Latch and Unlatch Trailer Coupler
Updated 08/12/2024 | Published 08/11/2024
Question:
Hi. Ive got a small boat trailer which has always had a very tight coupler - tight to the point where Ive had to secure it by whacking it with a hammer and get it off with a pry bar. Ive been loosening the adjustment nut under the mechanism little by little. Today I realized theres no obvious lock mechanism holding the adjusting nut in place such as I see on similar coupler mechanisms on your website. The nut may be some sort of locknut, or maybe its just held in place by corrosion. I thought it was time to write and get some advise as to whether this is a safety hazard probably is and a recommendation to fix/replace if it is. I see parts on your site which look like theyre intended to replace the latch mechanism or possibly the whole coupler if thats easier. Specs and pictures are available when I hear from you. Thanks.
asked by: Ben
Expert Reply:
Hey Ben, so this is pretty common with older couplers that get a bit of dirt and corrosion in them over time. If you haven't tried already I would really go to town soaking the coupler latch assembly with as much WD40 that you can to see if you can get it to free up. Normally that works pretty well.
A latch repair kit could work well too assuming we have the correct kit for your coupler. But I would need to see pictures and know the brand of what you have as well.
Otherwise you could look at replacing the coupler like with the part # CT-5003-Z which fits a 3 inch wide channel.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Trigger Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 5,000 lbs
- Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler
- Standard Coupler
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- Bolt-On
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 3 Inch Channel
- Trigger Latch
- 2-Bolt
- Marine Grade
- etrailer
more information >
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on Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler
Ben
8/12/2024
Hi. How do i post or send in pics so you can see what i am looking at?