Trailer help

[fadetoblack188]

I have a car trailer. The latch is broken and will no longer latch on the ball. DOes this whole a frame coupler need to be replaced. or can the latches themselves usually just be replaced?

seems like have a new a frame welded would be costly.


Also if it needs to be transported somewhere to get fixed ( welded, i can do latch at home )whats the best way of going by this? putting the trailer on top of a trailer?

 

[fadetoblack188]

its an open deck econo trailer.

 

[Ram-Rod]

Really depends on the build. Some trailers have a bolt on front housing for the latch (usually lighter duty trailers). The latch is usually riveted or welded into the housing though. If you have to transport it putting it on another trailer is probably your best option.

 

[Mega-Hemi]

What part of the latch is broke? What type of latch is it? Is the handle broke or the mechanism inside the latch. Maybe a pic would help explain.

 

[NYCruiser]

They call that the trailer coupler, and it should be repairable. There is a nut inside where the ball would go that you can use to adjust the tension that it grabs the ball with. Unscrew that nut, and the whole thing will come apart. Then order what you need from here:

Trailer Coupler Coupler Repair Kit Accessories and Parts | etrailer.com

 

[Mega-Hemi]

Coupler Repair Kit Accessories and Parts | etrailer.com

EDIT: Guess we were both headed in the same direction..

 

[fadetoblack188]

i just called the company it looks like the whole coupler needs to be cut off and a new one weld on. def going to cost a couple hundred bucks

 

[Ram-Rod]

The rebuildable ones are pretty common on smaller trailers but on large heavy duty trailers they often are not repairable. We had to weld a new one on our box trailer. I was able to take it apart somewhat but couldn't repair it since it was not able to be torn down all the way.

 

[fadetoblack188]

anyone know what somthin like that costs.

 

[NYCruiser]

You can price and buy a new coupler online. Can't imagine it would be that much to get someone to weld it on.

 

[fadetoblack188]

Made a call to a local place 200 plus part. Seems like alot

 

[Ram-Rod]

That doesn't sound terrible. Good parts cost money, and lets be honest, if I were you I'd want the best welder I can find doing that work. If that weld sucks it's going to cost you a lot more than $200.

 

[fadetoblack188]

the part is only 40 bucks. labor is 200... i agree though last think i want is that braking and my car on the trailer is driving itself down the highway

 

[fadetoblack188]

Looks like the bottom of the coupler is bent up not allowing the tounge to fully seat down... Last time I lend trailer out.

Going to try some heat and pry it down

 

[smiley]

How did this turn out? Did you fix it yourself or did you end up taking it in?