RE: Tow Hitch Connection

[slowpez]

 
We seem to be having a great deal of trouble attaching the PU to the TV.  Although the hitch seems to be seated properly, DH can t lock it into place without a whole lot of fiddling.  Our son thought the problem would resolve itself with use but we have had the PU since August and the problem seems to be getting worse instead of better.  We did have the PU fall off the hitch the first time we took it out so we learned fast how to make sure it is seated correctly.  I think the slope of the driveway might have something to do with it.  Usually, the car is postioned properly so we don t have to move it to connect, we just have to wiggle the PU back and forth.  Sometimes this takes forever and the air becomes blue with DH s comments.  Is there a trick to it; should we learn to live with it; should we raise or lower the ball?  
 Thanks, Susan

[LittleRainmaker]

 slowpez
I have the same problem.  My driveway slants downhill and it s difficult to move the TV up or back " just a hair"  as my DM puts it.  We end up moving up and back a dozen times before we get hooked up.  With only my mother and I to hook up - moving the PU is impossible, it s WAY too heavy!  
 
 It s a whole different ball game on flat ground - just back up and hook up!
 
 I ll be curious what advice / suggestions you get.
 
 Good luck!

[Cadeuses]

 slowpez

 

ORIGINAL:  slowpez
 
 We seem to be having a great deal of trouble attaching the PU to the TV.  Although the hitch seems to be seated properly, DH can t lock it into place without a whole lot of fiddling.  Our son thought the problem would resolve itself with use but we have had the PU since August and the problem seems to be getting worse instead of better.  We did have the PU fall off the hitch the first time we took it out so we learned fast how to make sure it is seated correctly.  I think the slope of the driveway might have something to do with it.  Usually, the car is postioned properly so we don t have to move it to connect, we just have to wiggle the PU back and forth.  Sometimes this takes forever and the air becomes blue with DH s comments.  Is there a trick to it; should we learn to live with it; should we raise or lower the ball?  
 Thanks, Susan
 

 Hi Susan;
   Loved that sausage recipe BTW.  Anyway, my thoughts on how to resolve your problem is that the adjustment found inside the PU s hitch is likely binding on the receiver ball.  I have had that problem as well.  What I had to do was adjust the nut to increase the clearance of the hitch s clamp, allowing the ball to seat itself properly all the way down.
 
   Once you have done this, double check to make sure that there is not too much space between the ball and the hitch s clamping plate.  There shouldn t be any more than 1/8"  spacing.  More than that and you run the risk of having the PU unhooking from the ball again.
 
   Less than that and the clamping plate WILL grab the ball, and eventually unscrew the ball from the receiver hitch plate.  Trust me on that one, Ok!  While your at it... check to see that the ball is securely tightened to the receiver plate, and that you have applied a liberal dob of grease to the PU s hitch.  The lubricant will help the ball slip into position, and prevent the hitch plate binding on the ball and ultimately loosening it.
 
   I have also discovered through trial and error, that attempting to seat the hitch on the ball with the PU trying to roll forward is a lost cause.  You end up with the binding problem again, even if there is enough clearance for it to slide on!
 
   Anyway, I hope this suggestion helps you out.  Have yourself a great day![]

[jackgoesthepopup]

 slowpez
I agree with Cadeuses .Check the movment of the clamping mechanism on the trailer. I have had this same problem myself. And sense our camper is older Ith hitch on the camper is just starting to wear out i think. I am also Thinking about changing my hitch to a pintle type hitch .Because i would have to cut off the old Hitch and Weld on a new one anyway. And Besides Pintle Hitches are very easy to hook up .And a side benfit is not just anyone can hook up your trailer and drive away with it.

[AustinBoston]

 slowpez

ORIGINAL:  slowpez
 We seem to be having a great deal of trouble attaching the PU to the TV.  Although the hitch seems to be seated properly, DH can t lock it into place without a whole lot of fiddling.

My gut reaction at this point is to say that the coupler dog may be adjusted too tight.  There is a nut/bolt on the underside of the hitch that controls how tight the hitch closes on the ball.  There is no one in our family that can t flip the latch once the coupler is properly seated on the ball.  It takes a little force, but it s not a struggle.
 
 

Our son thought the problem would resolve itself with use but we have had the PU since August and the problem seems to be getting worse instead of better.

This makes me think the same thing.
 
 

We did have the PU fall off the hitch the first time we took it out so we learned fast how to make sure it is seated correctly.

Ahah!  Did you have a hitch expert examine the coupler after that?  If so, I could see him setting the coupler a little too tight " so it doesn t fall off again" ...even if that had nothing to do with it falling off.  If you just hooked the thing back up and went, the coupler may have had it s shape distorted by the event, which would make it act like it was too tight.  The correct action would be to either have it reformed or replaced.
 
 

I think the slope of the driveway might have something to do with it.

Unless it is way off (do you have difficulty moving the trailer in or out of the driveway?)  this won t have an impact.
 
 

Usually, the car is postioned properly so we don t have to move it to connect, we just have to wiggle the PU back and forth.  Sometimes this takes forever and the air becomes blue with DH s comments.  Is there a trick to it; should we learn to live with it; should we raise or lower the ball?

 We get within an inch or so when backing up to the trailer.  It s then fairly easy to push either the trailer or the van (or both) the small amount needed to hook up.
 
 
 There are mirrors that attach to the hitch so that the person backing the tow vehicle can get it to within a very small amount.
 
 You should also make sure the bakk is lubricated properly.  I use four layers of wax paper, others use various forms of grease.  This is important even if the coupler is easy to close, but can make it easier to connect and close the coupler.
 
 Austin