Trailer repair

[Houndoc]

I have a flat bed trailer I use for hay- about every 6 weeks moves from by horse pen to the barn and back. Round trip about 100 yards.
But, for the last few loads have had problems with the latch mechanism in the hitch, taking manipulation with screwdriver to release.
Last Friday could not get it to release, so time for some repairs.
Obviously hauling it without trust worthy latch isn't a great idea.
@Hickey or anyone else interested/able to do some mobile repair in Grantsville?
Will pay of course.

 

[BCGPER]

Before you get to involved with repairs, you may want to drench the entire hitch mechanism in WD-40 or similar.

 

[jeeper]

I was also going to say lube it up a bit. Almost guaranteed to solve your problem

 

[Hickey]

I don't have the space to work on it.

 

[UNSTUCK]

Wouldn't think it would be too bad just to slap on a new coupler if the mechanism isn't just froze up.

Pick up something like this one and bring it all to me. We'll cut the old one off and weld on the new one. I'm in Magna.

https://www.etrailer.com/A-Frame-Trailer-Coupler/etrailer/CA-5196H-B.html

 

[Houndoc]

Wouldn't think it would be too bad just to slap on a new coupler if the mechanism isn't just froze up.

Pick up something like this one and bring it all to me. We'll cut the old one off and weld on the new one. I'm in Magna.

https://www.etrailer.com/A-Frame-Trailer-Coupler/etrailer/CA-5196H-B.html

I can try some WD 40, but feels more like a break in the mechanism. Will keep you posted.

 

[xjtony]

I'd second the lube as the first step. I have the same mechanism on my buggy hauler and if it doesn't get a regular spray down it can become VERY difficult to unlock when on a hitch. It looks like this one is stuck without being on a ball? If its not fixable they normally have that style of hitch in stock at either the Tractor Supply and also at Cal Ranch. I don't think it would take too much work to swap out

 

[Gravy]

Did you try unplugging it and plugging it back in?

 

[mbryson]

Did you try unplugging it and plugging it back in?

Hold the lever up and push both taillights at the same time?

 

[RustEoldtrux]

The bulldog, sliding sleeve type hitches are the best. They are really strong and always work properly.

 

[Houndoc]

I'd second the lube as the first step. I have the same mechanism on my buggy hauler and if it doesn't get a regular spray down it can become VERY difficult to unlock when on a hitch. It looks like this one is stuck without being on a ball? If its not fixable they normally have that style of hitch in stock at either the Tractor Supply and also at Cal Ranch. I don't think it would take too much work to swap out

pics taken after I got hitch off.

Did you try unplugging it and plugging it back in?

Tried that after I couldn't find the restart button!

 

[4x4_Welder]

That looks like a Harbor Freight hitch. I have a 2 5/16" one waiting for the next project. They do get very unhappy if not lubed, they also work way better if the ball is lubed.

 

[Houndoc]

That looks like a Harbor Freight hitch. I have a 2 5/16" one waiting for the next project. They do get very unhappy if not lubed, they also work way better if the ball is lubed.

I used a good amount of WD40 on it and will see what happens with the next load of hay sometime in February and go from there.

 

[Houndoc]

I'd second the lube as the first step. I have the same mechanism on my buggy hauler and if it doesn't get a regular spray down it can become VERY difficult to unlock when on a hitch. It looks like this one is stuck without being on a ball? If its not fixable they normally have that style of hitch in stock at either the Tractor Supply and also at Cal Ranch. I don't think it would take too much work to swap out

Gave it a few good sprays since the last post, worked much better when moving hay yesterday. Will see what happens from here!

 

[xjtony]

My Father in law religiously greases the hitch on his trailer and completly wipes it down after every trip. I tease him about it but I've never seen it get stuck on him lol

 

[mbryson]

My Father in law religiously greases the hitch on his trailer and completly wipes it down after every trip. I tease him about it but I've never seen it get stuck on him lol

Clean balls work for him, I guess?