Towing trailers

I have a utility trailer with a yolk latch coupler for a 2 inch ball. I cannot for the life of me figure out whether I need a 2 inch ball with a longer shank or if my coupler components are not working ad they should. I have sent some pictures showing what I’m dealing with. I feel so simple right now because I have never had this problem with any other trailer. Just purchased this one and after driving it home I realize the coupler was not latched properly. What am I doing wrong? Or do I need a longer shank ball? Please and thank you for your help.

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1 7/8 ball maybe needed for that.. just wondering.. or some adjusting

There is an adjustment under the hitch coupler. Lots don’t know it’s there. Lay on the ground and make sure it hasn’t loosened up.

I am not a expert but I have never heard of a ball with a different shank length clearance.

Usually the coupler is just bolted on to the frame. If you can not resolve the problem then I would replace the coupler unless some one else has more insight.

This trailer is a 1993 and the coupler is an a frame that is welded to the angle iron beneath it. I was wagching a how to video earlier this afternoon and i saw a part about extended shanks for certain couplers and i thoight maybe i had this oddball coupler. Nope. I looked for adjustments and found none. However after getting a flashlight and inspecting the inside of the coupler housing I found a little flange that was keeping the other component from doing its job. I thank you guys for your quick response you’ve saved me time and more headache.

So, without working with your exact combo I will say this. It always works better to set the trailer coupler about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way onto the ball, and once the weight is starting to transfer onto the ball from the jack, then pull the trailer onto the ball. Some couplers will not go on with any pressure on the coupler at all. That little flange you found will hang up with any pressure on it at all. Sorry if this was over explaining sometime you already knew, but it’s how I’ve taught my boys to hookup trailers. After they start doing it this way, they’ve never had another problem. As long as the equipment is the correct sizes.

I can feel your pain dealing with that trailer. My ice castle is an absolute pain in the a$$ to deal with sometimes. Most of the time it’s coming off instead of going on though. Once you get to know the trailer you’ll figure it out. Seems like every one has their own little quirks or tricks but once you figure it out you’ll be set.

Curt wrote:

There is an adjustment under the hitch coupler. Lots don’t know it’s there. Lay on the ground and make sure it hasn’t loosened up.

100% agree!

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Curt wrote:

There is an adjustment under the hitch coupler. Lots don’t know it’s there. Lay on the ground and make sure it hasn’t loosened up.

X2 adjust this little nut/bolt. It affects the little “claw”/latch thingy that moves inward and upward when you latch it down.

I know, super technical lingo.

Im with PailofPerch.
That works the best for me

Not trying to hijack, but I have what might be a dumb question: how exactly do you guys tell if the adjustment nut is off, and how should you adjust it? If it’s loose, tighten it? Or try either way, pending results? The coupler on my Shorelander trailer has always been a bit of a pain to get on and off my hitch. Often times I have to crank it up to the point that the weight of the truck finally gets it to pop loose, and when attaching, having to grab the tongue and yank it up and down and almost bouncing it on the hitch isn’t uncommon. Maybe the adjustment nut is the issue? Thanks guys.

TMF89 It sounds like yours may be a little too tight.

I hate doing it cause it makes a greasy mess but some white lithium grease sprayed on a rusty ball will make it slide on a ton easier as well.

TMF89 wrote:

Not trying to hijack, but I have what might be a dumb question: how exactly do you guys tell if the adjustment nut is off, and how should you adjust it? If it’s loose, tighten it? Or try either way, pending results? The coupler on my Shorelander trailer has always been a bit of a pain to get on and off my hitch. Often times I have to crank it up to the point that the weight of the truck finally gets it to pop loose, and when attaching, having to grab the tongue and yank it up and down and almost bouncing it on the hitch isn’t uncommon. Maybe the adjustment nut is the issue? Thanks guys.

Probably to tight, loosen it and give it a shot of lithium spray