hitch coupler latch will not close

[chuckster57]

Have you used a torch of any kind to warm things up? PbBlaster is good stuff but Kroil is better and SeaFoam deep creep is even better.

[gearhead]

Number 1: do not put your fingers in the hitch while trying to persuade it. I had a contractor lose a finger like that.
Is the lower latch hung on the ball? Raise the tongue and pry the lower latch loose. Then lower the hitch trying to keep the ball as far forward as possible to avoid hanging.

[bigO1218]

chuckster57 ~ I did heat it with a propane torch yesterday before using PB Blaster and hammer technique. Since the hitch is painted, I have been reluctant to apply more heat. The frame/welded hitch is still under warranty, and I don't want to give anyone misleading visual evidence that I, somehow, caused the problem by overheating it.

[sourdough]

[QUOTE=bigO1218;441751]

Originally Posted by sourdough

I have not contacted Lippert directly; however, the frame's serial number is one of the things the factory rep wanted a picture of. As far as the PB Blaster - just finished spraying a second can on every accessible part of the coupler. I'll let it soak for a while, then begin "persuading."

Here's a link to some maintenance guidelines for couplers (bottom of page 2). These are Atwood and I don't know what yours is. I would suspect the procedures would be similar regardless of the maker. Maybe it might be of assistance going forward.

Edit: It would help if I attached the link

https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...cd_0002534.pdf

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by bigO1218

chuckster57 ~ I did heat it with a propane torch yesterday before using PB Blaster and hammer technique. Since the hitch is painted, I have been reluctant to apply more heat. The frame/welded hitch is still under warranty, and I don't want to give anyone misleading visual evidence that I, somehow, caused the problem by overheating it.

I understand, but you have to do what you have to to get it working so you can take it in b

[rlh1957]

I disassemble the whole mechanism. If the tongue was dropped onto the ball without bring in the open unlocked position it could have been bent or damaged.
Disassembly will let you inspect every part for wear, broken or bent pieces.
These mechanisms are adjustable for ball fitment.
Be certain the hitch tongue is the correct size for the ball.

[bigO1218]

Originally Posted by rlh1957

I disassemble the whole mechanism. If the tongue was dropped onto the ball without bring in the open unlocked position it could have been bent or damaged.
Disassembly will let you inspect every part for wear, broken or bent pieces.
These mechanisms are adjustable for ball fitment.
Be certain the hitch tongue is the correct size for the ball.

Thanks for the response, rlh1957. I have no access to the mechanism, so disassembly is not a viable option. At this point, we are thinking of having a friend grind off the welds from the old hitch and weld a new one in its place.

[thefulminator]

You have one or both of two possible problems. Either the mechanism isn't working correctly or something is keeping it from working correctly either jamming the mechanism or blocking it from moving.

If the mechanism isn't bent or rusted in place, look at what could be jamming it. Could there be a mouse nest or perhaps a bunch of peanuts stuffed in there but a squirrel? I would try compressed air to see if there is anything that can be blown out of it. If there is noting in there then gentle persuasion of the mechanism might be in order.

[wiredgeorge]

I want to point out that as a person who works with a propane torch on a daily basis that you have to keep a propane torch on metal for a lot longer than you might expect to achieve results. I have never found PB Blaster or Kroil especially helpful but it doesn't hurt. Heat and more heat and then a rap with a hammer will often do the trick. If the thing is painted and non functional, don't worry about paint. And if you cut and weld a new hitch, hope that guy doing the welding knows how to lay a bead that penetrates.

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by bigO1218

Thanks for the response, rlh1957. I have no access to the mechanism, so disassembly is not a viable option. At this point, we are thinking of having a friend grind off the welds from the old hitch and weld a new one in its place.

Sometimes it’s as easy as giving it to someone else as a project..a new set of eyes and skill set on the problem..do you have a neighbor or friend who is mechanically proficient? .. I rarely give up on things and I like a challenge..many people are like this ..I’m sure someone could figure it out.. if it was under water in the ocean for 5 years I would say it’s hopeless but being just sitting over the winter I can’t see how it could have locked up that tight..sometimes it just takes a fresh perspective on the problem

[sfem192]

I had a hitch like that and my problem with it was when I lowered the trailer onto the ball the mechanism had to be held open. Otherwise it was not able to go around the ball. I had to hold the larch open while lowering it onto the ball then occasionally have to pull the TV forward to make sure the ball was seated correctly in the hitch. When everything was in place it would fit perfectly. It also would hang up when trying to unhitch and I would have to raise the trailer up a bit before it would release.

[notanlines]

Along the lines of what Jasin was saying, I'm willing to bet that every single one of us who have commented on this thread just CRAVE to have a look at for just one evening. And one more thing: I also just KNOW that I could fix it! It is just one of those things that we all want to take a look at.

[gearhead]

If you do replace it, check and see if "Bulldog" has a direct replacement. It's a wraparound hitch and has none of the sheet metal cheapness.

[hornet28]

I've never seen a Bulldog coupler on a TT. Never cared for the look of them either. As has been said just sitting over the winter it has to be something simple. A fresh set of eyes could probably figure it out in short order. If you lay on your back there must be an adjustment that would be visible

[flybouy]

I have the same coupler on my trailer. I've never found an adjustment in all the years I've owned it. I dry lube the devil out of it constantly (using grease or oil will attract dirt and make it worse) and it's been ok. The thing is finicky especially if you latch or unlatch on a radical forward or aft angle. I've said every since we bought the trailer that eventually I could see myself grinding it off.

If the penetrant oil get's it to work I'd suggest a can of brake cleaner to flush that out of the coupler real well then spray it well with silicone or some other dry lube from below and all around the latch above. I put Reese hitch lube on the ball only. Every spring I flush with the solvent then repeat the lube steps above. It's worked for me.

As has been mentioned, if you remove and replace spend the money to get a certified welder to install the new one. You don't want to have to confirm that the breakaway cable and safety chains work.

EDIT: Don't worry about using a propane torch to heat it up. If the paint blisters a can of Krylon gloss black and it will look lolke new.

[gearhead]

I've always liked the looks of these:
https://www.bulldogproducts.net/prod...frame-couplers
https://www.bulldogproducts.net/prod...frame-couplers

[hornet28]

Is this the type of latch you have? If so I just experienced the same thing. It turned out to be that the flat piece on the underside was bent up just enough to not let the coupler fully latch. So either heat and bend down if you can or using a die grinder cut it back some for clearance

[wiredgeorge]

The OP hasn't logged onto the forum for over a week so we may never know the outcome of his itch to free his hitch.

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

The OP hasn't logged onto the forum for over a week so we may never know the outcome of his itch to free his hitch.

Hopefully he got the hitch loose then he busted loose and left town! It would be nice to know the final outcome/soultion though.

[notanlines]

If he does not log back in and tell us the outcome, nobody has learned a darn thing.