Coupler latch not closing

[DCPAS]

We have owned a 19 25RB for all of a week. Love it, but from the very first coupling, I cannot get the coupler latch to close in the right position. The latch level moves down easily, but it does not move back and the pin holes do not line up. You can see from underneath that the back portion of the coupler mechanism hits the ball and does not get below the ball as intended. I've gotten it to fully engage only by moving the TV and the entire rig and using several tongue jack heights, but it takes many times doing this (my best time is about 30 minutes) to get it to work. So, something isn't right.

I found a thread on this issue from a few years back with the suggestion that it was a TV alignment issue, but I have moved the tow vehicle a lot and it doesn't matter much.

Our hitch is a ReCurve R3.

We bought the trailer and the hitch from an out of town dealer, so looking for ideas on what to look for. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[AKmtnpilot]

On my 2019 Classic, I have the 'old style' latch. When the coupler is down on the ball; it doesn't look like its down all the way but it really is. And the latch handle must be tapped FOWARD to aline the holes for safety pin.

[Adventure.AS]

Once it is latched fully raise the tongue with the electric jack. This helps you assure that it is latched and won’t disconnect.

[DCPAS]

Originally Posted by Adventure.AS

Once it is latched fully raise the tongue with the electric jack. This helps you assure that it is latched and won’t disconnect.

I have raised it and lowered it a bunch with no good result. When lifting, it lifts the trailer and TV, but the back mechanism in the coupler is still striking the ball and does not go underneath it which allows the pin holes to line up. Thanks for the comment.

[DCPAS]

Originally Posted by AKmtnpilot

On my 2019 Classic, I have the 'old style' latch. When the coupler is down on the ball; it doesn't look like its down all the way but it really is. And the latch handle must be tapped FOWARD to aline the holes for safety pin.

My situation is the opposite. The latch stays forward and does not go back.

[Lumatic]

Is it noisy when turning? Grease the latch and your ball. Get a ball cover for when not in use.

[thiel]

I have this problem except when I drop the hitch "perfectly" onto the ball.

When I have this problem, I find that just shifting my tow vehicle into D or R and letting the idle push the vehicle one way or t'other is usually enough to get the latch to spring shut.

I have also found that if I jump up and down on the bumper it can sometimes cause the latch to snap shut, so that's an option, but I don't recommend it...

[GCinSC2]

DCPAS,

Can you see mfgr name and model number on your coupler?

Do you have a loose hitch ball that you could insert and test coupler w/o trying to hook up to tow vehicle.

IF you can latch onto loose ball then somehow you are fighting TV to AS alignment. If cannot latch does YOUR coupler have adjustment feature?

And a bit of spray lube right now on all moving parts is a good idea. Grease on ball later after this blows over.

Gary

[Lumatic]

Could also be related to incorrect adjustment of hitch ball angle. When you bought it the "mechanic" may have just slapped it on without setting the angle.

[DCPAS]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

Could also be related to incorrect adjustment of hitch ball angle. When you bought it the "mechanic" may have just slapped it on without setting the angle.

I was wondering about this too. I put a bottle jack just aft of the nut for ball and lifted to change the angle, but it didn't make any difference. I asked a mechanic about the angle and he said that this particular hitch uses less than most. Still wondering about though.

[DCPAS]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

DCPAS,

Can you see mfgr name and model number on your coupler?

Do you have a loose hitch ball that you could insert and test coupler w/o trying to hook up to tow vehicle.

IF you can latch onto loose ball then somehow you are fighting TV to AS alignment. If cannot latch does YOUR coupler have adjustment feature?

And a bit of spray lube right now on all moving parts is a good idea. Grease on ball later after this blows over.

Gary

Thanks, Gary. Didn't think to look for a coupler manufacturer. I kind of thought they were all the recent ones were the same prior to 2020. The trailer is in storage so I can't look immediately. You're idea on the loose ball is a good one. I will get one. And as to grease, I sprayed quite a bit of white lithium grease (because that is what I had with me) all around. I did not see an adjustment mechanism, but I am wondering if there is one.

[DCPAS]

Originally Posted by thiel

I have this problem except when I drop the hitch "perfectly" onto the ball.

When I have this problem, I find that just shifting my tow vehicle into D or R and letting the idle push the vehicle one way or t'other is usually enough to get the latch to spring shut.

I have also found that if I jump up and down on the bumper it can sometimes cause the latch to snap shut, so that's an option, but I don't recommend it...

Tried the tow vehicle movement a lot. Didn't try jumping, but I agree that doesn't sound ideal. Thanks.

[DCPAS]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

Is it noisy when turning? Grease the latch and your ball. Get a ball cover for when not in use.

Not noisy and trailer, hitch, and ball are brand new. Applied lots of white lithium grease to no noticeable effect. I did not try wheel bearing grease because I didn't have any with me on the trip to pick up the trailer. Thanks.

[GCinSC2]

Hence the suggestion to get specific make and model to check manual if adjustable.

Not all are adjustable. Mine is not.

[Adventure.AS]

Does it close and holes in latch line up when not on the ball?

[DCPAS]

Originally Posted by Adventure.AS

Does it close and holes in latch line up when not on the ball?

Yes it does.

[DCPAS]

A very big thanks to everyone who responded to this! I have at least learned that I wasn't missing anything obvious as a Newbie and got some good suggestions.

[alphamale49]

A light whack with a hammer pushes mine back to align the pin holes.

[Al and Missy]

One coupler I had was adjustable with a locknut on a threaded rod that came out of the lock lever. Mine worked loose and the trailer uncoupled when I hit a bump. Luckily this was a small utility trailer not my Airstream. I tightened the nut until I could not force the coupler off of the ball with a crowbar when it was latched. IF yours is adjustable it may be a little too tight.

When I had the Equalizer hitch before I got my Propride I sometime had trouble getting the coupler on my Classic to lock as you do. It unlocked by moving the lever aft and would pop up a little. If the foot was pushing the trailer too high it was hard to unlock. To lock it you push down on the handle and slide it forward. Similarly if the foot was pushing the trailer too high it would not lock. I found that once dropped on the ball and the foot off of the ground pulling the TV forward a little let the coupler drop.

Al

[Goin camping]

Had the same problem on my 07 Safari.

Would have to get in the truck. Push the Manuel trailer brake and let the truck roll forward. Latch would click into place.

Solved the problem by lubricating the latch mechanism.