How do you secure this kind of coupler?

[Becky B.]

On previous couplers that I have had, a pin went through the top & secured the latch from going up. On this coupler on my Bambi II, which we installed,
if you put a pin through it, it doesn't attach to anything because there's nothing underneath or between the holes that it attaches to. So, how do you secure this kind of coupler from ever bouncing up??

[wahoonc]

Looks like a piece may be missing? Try putting a pin in it and see if it will come up or not. There may be an internal slide of some sort, but it doesn't look like it.

Aaron

[Becky B.]

If I put a pin in it, I can lift it up, just like in the last picture.

[AWCHIEF]

Becky, what brand is that coupler?

[Becky B.]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Becky, what brand is that coupler?

I just checked.....it's the no-name brand

[nvestysly]

I have seen similar mechanisms on other couplers. I don't think they use pins.

The safety feature is the fact that two or three motions must occur somewhat simultaneously for the coupler to be released. For example, the simple act of lifting the "handle" (for lack of a better description) does not release the coupler. The handle must be lifted, and pulled back, for the coupler to be released. In addition, the spring action of the handle keeps it engaged into the notches.

So my guess... no pin.

[AWCHIEF]

Interesting design. I would guess the bale moving up and down might have something to do with the locking of the coupler.

[Becky B.]

Well, I know it locks when it's down, because I can raise my vehicle when I have the handle down. I just worry about it not being pinned down. Maybe I can use a ZIP tie underneath for my peace of mind.

[ventport]

That is an Atwood coupler. I have the exact same one on my 1964 Avion with the name stamped into it. It came from the factory with it on. It cannot come off as long as the spring in the latch is good and the latch has gone down into the two slots. I have never had a problem with mine. Latch it and try to lift the front of the flat bale that goes around the front. You will see what I mean by it not being able to open as long as the spring for the lever is good and it went down into the slots.

[Becky B.]

Originally Posted by ventport

That is an Atwood coupler. I have the exact same one on my 1964 Avion with the name stamped into it. It came from the factory with it on. It cannot come off as long as the spring in the latch is good and the latch has gone down into the two slots. I have never had a problem with mine. Latch it and try to lift the front of the flat bale that goes around the front. You will see what I mean by it not being able to open as long as the spring for the lever is good and it went down into the slots.

It's a new coupler, so I'm sure the spring is good. So, you never tie the handle down in any way? Seems so foreign to me!

[ventport]

That is correct, I just use the coupler as is. Just make sure that the latch is down into the two slots and you are good to go.

[xrvr]

I put a pin in the handle directly on top straight down. There is a hole there. I attach a rubber elastic tie down to the pin and under the hitch. Seems to hold very well. I also have a 1964 Avion and am not too sure about the spring, it is 50 years old! The pin just goes in far enough to be secure. Sorry cannot do pictures. Jim

[Hoppershot75]

The coupler on my 72 Avion is the same as this, however I don't think mine has a hole for a pin. I use a bungee strap to hold it down like zigzagguzzi stated. Its probably not necessary but it puts my mind at peace to worry about something else.