A question about my hitch coupler

[minstrel]

Hi,
I have a problem with my hitch coupler. When I back my trailer into the garage (level) the driveway is at enough of a slant that the coupler torques around the ball and won't release. (I hope I explained that in a close to understandable manner!) Anyway, I was told that because the locking mechanism is from the back, the pressure is too great and the ball gets stuck due to the angle of the driveway. So I went to a trailer shop and they told me that BullNose? makes a coupler that releases from the side (not back to front) and that would take care of the problem. It won't matter that the trailer is on a level plane and the car (Outback) is on a downward slant. I want to make sure this is true before I spend the bucks to weld on a new coupler. Can anyone shed light on this?
Thanks
Liz

[backstrap bandit]

I really can't say one way or the other however I can tell you I have a 16 ft trailer with the side release coupler and from time to time have the same problem due to the trailer pushing fwd or backward too much the best way I have found to eliminate this is to back up against a chalk and then chalk the front and creep up slightly to center the ball in the hitch and it releases every time also you might be able to loosen the nut in the bottom of the coupler a little but ensure it is still tight enough to keep hitch on ball when traveling

[ae6black]

I used to have a similar situation with a trailer. I just blocked the wheels on both sides when it was in the position that I wanted and then just drifted the tow vehicle a few inches to release the pressure on the hitch and ball. Since this was a business and I had to hitch upto it several times a day Icould pretty much tell by feel what was going on. Wasnt really a problem.

Art

[minstrel]

Hi Art,
By "drifting" the tow vehicle, do you mean just backing it up or pulling forward a few inches until it releases?
Liz

[Vedette]

Yes, Backstrap Bandit explained it well!
Don't get upsold at an RV dealer for something that you really don't need.
Just learn the little trailer tricks that will make your trailering experience fun.
And remember ...."Rome wasn't built in a day"
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi
PS
We can't wait to meet you!

[tony.latham]

I agree with Backstrap bandit.

I had a Bulldog hitch like this on an old horsetrailer and hated* it: http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Coupler ... 28287.html

It was a tough go to push that thumb lever and get that stiff-springed sleave to slide and the hitch to come apart. (and I'm a so-called burly guy) If you get serious about going with this syle of hitch, I'd ask the outfit that's proposing the modification if you could play with one of them before you commit. Perhaps they're a bit slicker now.

Tony

*It's rare for me to use the word hate, I don't banter it around lightly, especially thrown at a piece of metal. Its use would demand a level of pain followed by a few vulgar words spat into the cold to get me to use that verb. Tu capisci?

[backstrap bandit]

By the way forgot to mention that on my bull dog over time it gets stiff to open up I carry a hammer and a big flat head screw driver to pry it open I have greased the heck out of it but it's still tuff to oped the hammer is to beat the sleeve back so I can oped the latch the sprins on sleeve wear out quickly

[Redneck Teepee]

Hi Art,
By "drifting" the tow vehicle, do you mean just backing it up or pulling forward a few inches until it releases?
Liz

After you block/chock both wheels on your tear, get back in you car and apply the brake, shift into neutral or drive may be required, and slowly release the brake, since you are headed downhill (should not be a real steep incline) it will creep forward and stop at the wheel chocks.


Hope this helps.........Larry

[minstrel]

OK...I have some time to waste today. Will give this a try before I spend the $$$. Will let you know if I have any luck!
Liz

[KennethW]

Just a thought. Maybe pull the receiver pin and drive forward. Then take the receiver off the hitch and return it to you car.
I have never try that, but it a ideal.

[minstrel]

Ken--
That was what we ended up doing to get it off, but my son was with me and that's not something I want to do each time I un-hitch! Way too much work for a chubby ol' lady!

[Nobody]

Minstrel - The BULLDOG brand couplers would probably be a good solution for you. They fasten with a 'side swing' latch that is captured/secured by a sliding collar that is retracted by a hinged or pinned handle, & the collar is secured by a lynch pin. They are probably one of the best (if not THE best) coupler available in the USA. They're not inexpensive, probably $50 or more plus the expense of installation. Available to fit most every type of tongue, I can't imagine you'd get into a bind where they couldn't be unhitched. Here's pix of a couple, one with straight 3" mounting & one with 50degree 'A' frame mount. Pretty sure there are other types available. Places like Tractor Supply probably have best price unless you might find one online cheaper...



View of the latch side - pic courtesy of E-Trailer Inc.

[Shadow Catcher]

I was also going to suggest a Bulldog hitch http://www.etrailer.com/manufacturer-Bulldog.aspx?gclid=CMr6jZCWrsMCFQmOaQodJ7AA7A One of these also lets you use one of the most secure trailer locks http://trailerlocksonline.com/shop/

[ae6black]

Liz, that is exactly what I meant. My situation was a five ton tree truck and the chipper behind it. To park the chipper each night so I could dump the load, I would back it into it's spot which was actually facing downhill. I had rail road ties that I would back up against. As soon as I felt the trailer back up against the railroad tie that I was using as wheel chocks I'd stop and then put the truck in gear and pull forward uphill slightly just to relieve the tension between the ball and the hitch. I got to the point where I could feel what was going on. I'd set the parking break and put the truck in park and go back and unhitch. Actually I'd prefer unhitching on a slight grade because that way I got an easy way of relieving the pressure on the hitch. Unfortunately, most campgrounds are level which means I often have to do some pushing and pulling to get my trailer hitch to release and come free from the ball. Hope this helps. Experience actually teaches us pretty quickly how to overcome most situations that we'll encounter when out camping. But seriously, most campers are friendly and are going to come up and help you just to get a look at you and your rig.

Have some great camping!

Art

[minstrel]

Looks like I am going to try the BullDog. I (and my son who drives trucks of all kinds) both tried the chocking and then pulling forward just a bit to relieve the pressure and it did not work. So.....Friday, I'll get the new coupler. Fingers crossed that the problem will be solved. I know there will be lots of folks to help out , but I really feel I need to be able to function solo if so needed.
Thanks for all your suggestions and experience!
Liz