Broken hitch ball retention thing

[YEGrolo]

So we got out to our spot earlier and got everything ready but when unhooking - the ball would not release from the TT hitch.

I had to pull the pin from the hitch receiver to get the truck out and the hitch was still attached to the trailer hitch. We had to really push on the retention lever (fingers only no tools used) and the hitch finally released.

When it did though, what appears to be the part that sits against the ball fell out broken.

Am on the mobile app will try to figure out how to post pics.

Any suggestions? I am concerned about towing this home without being able to secure the ball in the hitch.

[YEGrolo]

Figured it out but not sure which ones which so here's a few ...

[Oaklevel]

Pics would be helpful....

Do NOT attempt to pull the trailer home if a piece of the hitch is broken & missing.... The trailer will not stay attached & the trailer will come loose while going down the road.

[4mula1fan]

I wouldn't pull that anywhere. That part locks onto the ball. YIKES!!!!

[tadbinz]

Brutal. Sorry to hear about your luck!!
Todd

[YEGrolo]

Guess we get to test out the roadside assistance, wonder how that is with the holiday weekend. I'm assuming flat deck tow? I'd be comfortable pulling it out of the CG up to the main road for them but there's some pretty steep mountain roads up here so I wouldn't go any further than that. Will phone tomorrow AM and find out what the process is.

[Big Bill]

if you are using a WDH that will hold it together,if not , the roadside assistance will take care of it, then warranty

[fonzie]

If you are using the Andersen weight distribution hitch, it might have put to much pressure/tension on the locking mechanism and damaged it.
Would there be a local automotive/trailer store nearby that would carry replacement parts and make repairs on site, if not then road side assistance....

[trackmanbfa]

The Campground should have someone to call. They all are bombarded with mobile mechanics leaving their card. They should be able to advise a good tech and that would enable you to enjoy the rest of your trip

[B and B]

There maybe some dealers open today still. What part of Canada?

[wmtire]

Here are diagrams how it goes together. Yours is actually somewhat different in the way that the underjaw is held to the latch, and it slides. I'll see if I can find a better pic for it, but this gives you the gist.

A trailer store, and some auto parts stores may carry the parts..... if nearby. They are often called coupler repair kits and do vary by design/manufacturer. It would be best to take your pieces of underjaw with you if you go look for one. A RV dealer/parts store may have a better chance of having this actual one.

[tjm]

Farm supply store like Tractor Supply may have parts as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wmtire]

One other idea, is if you can't find a coupler repair kit with the same style/type locking mechanism, is to see if you might can find an a-frame assembly that you take the parts from.

It needs to have the exact coupler latching mechanism you have. Does your trailer have a brand name on the tongue?

[Jim in Halifax]

SOMEONE POSTED THE ABOVE WHEN I WAS TYPING MY REPLY>>>>>>>It says what I was saying.......

Trying to remember my old TT days....Isn't that piece just "floating' up inside the hitch and is locked into position when you push and lock the top locking mechanizing down into the slot???? Your weight distributing system should also keep it down on ball.......Put it all back together and jack up the hitch to see if it locks down.....Might get you home until a perm fix is made.....I think that piece just slides back and forth...does it show any signs that it is actually broken or "unwelded"???

[YEGrolo]

Thanks for the advice. I called Coach Net and they don't have anyone available for another 3 days to come out.

I went to the town nearby and couldn't find anything. I had a look under the hitch and couldn't find where the latch would come out for replacement. It's also been raining and snowing so I didn't get too far into investigating though. Plus I only have a few select tools with me and likely not the right ones to use for such a fix.

I have a Blue Ox WDH so I guess I'll just rely on that to keep things together and take it to a dealer when we get back.

[YEGrolo]

Not sure if it'll turn out but here's a shot of the rain/snow mixture were getting.
On the plus side with the weather we've gotten to test out pretty much everything in the TT, and I even hung the TP and towel holders.

[OldCoot]

I think if you put the parts back in, hook up the wdh bars you will be ok for the short trip home. We traded campers in 1976, took the new one home, loaded it and left for Knoxville, IA 175 miles away, spent the weekend, towed the 175 miles back home, unhooked and went in the house, phone was ringing, it was the camper sales owner frantic. She said I hope you didn't go anywhere with the camper. I told her where we had gone and she said "OMG, did you change balls? I said no. She said "you pulled all that way with a 2" ball and the new trailer has a 2-5/16" socket." Went outside, backed the car back up to the trailer and sure enough the hitch fit down on the 2" ball without being open. So, the bars will hold the hitch socket on the ball.

[Big Bill]

this is quite troubeing that coach net would take 3 days to get to you?? did they offer any explaination?? anyone else have this trouble with coach net??

[YEGrolo]

I assume it's because it's not something simple like changing a flat or delivering gas, coupled with the fact it's a holiday Monday up here. But I've had no other dealings with them to compare.

[Cougarfan]

Originally Posted by fonzie

If you are using the Andersen weight distribution hitch, it might have put to much pressure/tension on the locking mechanism and damaged it.....

Not to hijack the thread but I'm getting ready to buy the Andersen WDH and I have the same coupler as the OP. Does anyone know how often the locking mechanism breaks with the Andersen?

I also have Coach-Net and am disappointed with their response. If I were out camping this weekend I would not wait 3 days for service. I don't care if its a holiday weekend or not.

Good luck with the repair and please report back with the results.

Laura