Hitch Coupler Latch does not fully engage

[Insist on live music]

Among the plethora of hitch couplers . . . I don't find any discussions similar to mine. My worry is that the hitch in not fully "engaged", in that, dual triangular "catches" fail to "insert". I've had this problem with 2019 Jayco "JayFlight" and my currect 2023 Grand Design "Imagine" (TT). Otherwise, the hitch & ball feels "set" and solid. Might I've OVER-lubricated and gummed up the "works? Recently, traveled to Florida "keys" and returned with no incident yet there's always a first time. Eh?

[Redapple63]

Among the plethora of hitch couplers . . . I don't find any discussions similar to mine. My worry is that the hitch in not fully "engaged", in that, dual triangular "catches" fail to "insert". I've had this problem with 2019 Jayco "JayFlight" and my currect 2023 Grand Design "Imagine" (TT). Otherwise, the hitch & ball feels "set" and solid. Might I've OVER-lubricated and gummed up the "works? Recently, traveled to Florida "keys" and returned with no incident yet there's always a first time. Eh?

I have the same issue from time to time. Just get in the truck and put it in drive or reverse and inch it until it clicks. Doesn’t take but maybe 1/4 inch of movement or less.

Bill

[jleonard]

Yes what was said above. If the locking pin won’t go thru then you’re not hooked up properly

[Insist on live music]

Yes. Because my driveway is not level, I frequently have to "jiggle" tow vehicle, yet doesn't seem to get my desired result.

Fearing I've "gummed-up" the coupler (possibly attracting dirt) what material can I use to clean mechanism? Mineral spirits - brake cleaning fluid?

[Insist on live music]

I have the same issue from time to time. Just get in the truck and put it in drive or reverse and inch it until it clicks. Doesn’t take but maybe 1/4 inch of movement or less.

Bill

Yes. Because my driveway is not level, I frequently have to "jiggle" tow vehicle, yet doesn't seem to get my desired result.

Fearing I've "gummed-up" the coupler (possibly attracting dirt) what material can I use to clean mechanism? Mineral spirits - brake cleaning fluid?

[Insist on live music]

Yep . . . but the clevis pin WILL insert normally.

[Redapple63]

Yes. Because my driveway is not level, I frequently have to "jiggle" tow vehicle, yet doesn't seem to get my desired result.

Fearing I've "gummed-up" the coupler (possibly attracting dirt) what material can I use to clean mechanism? Mineral spirits - brake cleaning fluid?

Brake cleaner should do a pretty decent job. Nothing in there it can hurt.

Bill

[Rabbit]

IMO it’s not a lube problem. If the trailer is “pushing” the tow vehicle, then the latch is being jammed. Chock the trailer and let the tow vehicle roll forward just slightly to open things up so the latch parts can move normally into the closed position. I really don’t think you can gum things up.

[Insist on live music]

Update: I used auto brake cleaner to clean coupler. A maintenance tech noticed "ridges" inside about 1 1/2 inches long. Presume, gravel got up in there and GOUGED coupler interior. Using variety of sand paper I've achieved smooth surface and after ensuring correct size - a new hitch ball installed. Believe I'm gonna use silicone lubricant sparingly near future and for any who might be interested . . . I anticipate moving rig in September 2023 and will share results at that time.

[kb0zke]

I've had to pull ahead a fraction of an inch nearly every time I've unhitched in order to get the latch to move freely. No big deal.