Don't Ignore Trailer Coupler Repairs
A functioning trailer coupler is important for safe towing. Necessary trailer coupler repairs are often noticed after an accident. Don't wait for an accident to think about servicing your trailer coupler.
If you need trailer coupler maintenance or trailer coupler replacement, here's how to repair it.
Rust and corrosion
Rust and corrosion of any kind is a sure sign that it's time to get your couplers seriously inspected. If the housing that holds the trailer hitch ball in place by the coupler is rusted, then the problem at hand is probably bigger than surface rust, which you might otherwise pay little attention to. Your trailer hitch ball needs to be able to rotate within the housing of the trailer coupler while handling the full load of the trailer without affecting rust and corrosion.
If the metal inside the trailer coupler housing begins to rust, as the metal rusts, the surface that the trailer ball contacts will become increasingly damaged. If the rest of the trailer coupler is not repaired in time, the coupler will soon become unsuitable for travel, posing a serious safety hazard.
Connection problem
When you connect your trailer to your vehicle, it's important to pay attention to whether the trailer connector can cause frustrating connection issues. If your trailer hitch ball is properly aligned with the trailer coupler and it is still very difficult to secure the coupler, the coupler may be the culprit. Be aware if your trailer hitch coupler keeps getting stuck while connecting to your trailer or won't accept a trailer hitch ball easily even if you do your best. These are signs that your coupler may be worn out and needs refurbishment of its moving parts, alignment of the trailer coupler, or a complete replacement.
Adjust the jaws
In addition to coupler alignment, another important aspect of coupler maintenance is the adjustability of the coupler clamp on the trailer hitch ball.
Why are jaws important? There are two cases.
The forces within a shark's jaws have a huge impact on its often lethal grip. In the same sense, the coupler can be damaged by over-adjusting the tow ball. Once the damage is done, it is difficult to lock and unlock from the tow ball.
If you've seen the Disney movie Finding Nemo, you know that Shark Bruce also has a soft side. It's not only his failure but yours as well in terms of coupler tuning. If the jaw clamps are adjusted too loosely, the trailer coupler can pop off the ball and cause an accident.
To make sure the coupler is properly locked on the tow ball, try these simple tests:
1. Lock/Latch the trailer coupler to the tow ball
2. By using the trailer's tongue jack, jack up the trailer
3. With this action, try to get the coupler to release the ball as well as the rear of the tractor
Checking this is an easy way to get some peace of mind that the coupler won't accidentally let the trailer detach from the trailer when it hits a big bump in the road. Your trailer coupler should be able to withstand rapid upward forces from adverse road conditions. If you need to buy a new trailer coupler, please contact us.
Haway is a professional custom trailer axles and parts manufacturer. Our products are exported to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and some European countries. Our factory produces a large number of trailer axles, torsion axles, trailer fenders, trailer jacks and boat trailer parts. Offering a wide range of trailer parts, Haway has one of the most complete lines of trailer parts.
