Trailer Coupler Service

Join us as we disassemble and reassemble this Cary-On brand trailer coupler. We will also adjust the coupler for our tow ball. This should apply to many other coupler brands out there as well.
Disclaimer:
Due to various factors and design differences in today’s vehicles, this channel, Mr. Locker and/or all parties involved in the production of this video cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the information presented in this video. Therefor no party involved with the production of this video shall be liable for any damages or injuries of any type or form that result from any party watching, discussing, or using the procedures outlined in this video or any other videos on the “Locker's Garage” channel.
As always, we recommend safe working practices including proper vehicle lifting, personal protective equipment, and following the procedures outlined in the shop manuals when performing any type of service work.
Due to factors beyond our control, no information in this video shall create any warranty either expressed or implied in any way, shape, or form. By watching, discussing, or using any part of this video production, you and your associated parties agree to the terms stated above.
This video is for entertainment purposes only.

[@JoryBlake]

I figured after 42 years of doing this wrong I would learn how they operate, perfect video thanks!

[@DEBBIEZIMMERMAN-on3np]

Thank you! Very informative from a woman who is having trouble with hers. I can now go fix it.

[@brirob7127]

Clear, concise, succinct, perspicacious. I knew nothing about this trailer latch mechanism before this video. Now I can stop just hitting it with a hammer. Thank you!

[@davebenson1504]

Thanks... Just doing a re-paint on my coupler today... this was perfect for my needs

[@Trophimus]

You pulled back the curtain on the mystery of trailer couplers and why they rattled so much. Thank you times 1000

[@georgeschoonover368]

Thanks for the video. I've been having grounding issues with my utility trailer lighting and finally realized it was due to a loose tongue coupler. Well, I took everything apart, wizzie wheeled and lubed everything, but I couldn't figure out how to reassemble the coupler. Your video was very insightful. Thank you so much! Also, I was missing that security washer! I've purchased one and am just waiting for it to show up now.

[@richardsipala346]

Refurbished
my coupler then forgot the correct reassembly. This vid did it.
So refreshing to see the steps clearly. I’m all set now. Thank you thank you

[@Canoecamper]

Thanks for posting the video. Very helpful, especially the part about needing to compress the spring with the socket to loosen the nut and then, when tightening the nut, to make sure the nut edges line up flat against the backing that keeps the nut from turning on its own.

[@LockersGarage]

Glad it helped

[@photofire100]

Thank you for the great video. It is the best video on disassembly and reassembly on hitches. Although our travel trailer’s coupler is a bit different, this video definitely helped me to clean and rebuild it. Appreciated.

[@tconlon]

Great video. Much needed since the repair kits don't come with instructions. Thanks very much.

[@born_again_torinos]

Very concise and helpful. Well done.

[@garylandry2638]

VERY GOOD DEMONSTRATION, THANK YOU !!!!!!

[@LockersGarage]

You are welcome!

[@tom87pate]

Thank you kindly for the understandable video. The instructions that came with my new coupler were horrible.

[@markb.1259]

I really appreciated your video of open heart surgery on that coupler! Thank you!

[@LockersGarage]

Glad to help

[@jenifre70]

Enhance Enhance

[@paulanderson388]

Good Job!

[@user-ct1ty3iy2t]

Well done informative video

[@kevinoconnor5597]

Thanks for the video. Took mine apart to clean it and your video did a great job showing how to put all the parts back together

[@maglen69]

The compression while I was tightening was **exactly** what I was missing. Thanks!

[@tioganh]

Nice to be able to show a coupler that you can adjust. Would be nice if somebody would do a video on one you can't adjust. We all know how to adjust this one.

[@robwhite2282]

Thank you so much! Yours is the only reference I could find anywhere explaining the order

[@MrTeff999]

Excellent. Very helpful. This deserves more views.

[@LockersGarage]

Much appreciated!

[@shadowtruck5991]

Good info vid. Learned n curious how the coupler actually holds the ball. LIked !

[@captcraig777]

Thanks for this. Sometimes, I can't close the latch with the tow ball set in the coupler. This info will definitely help!

[@freddielerma4642]

Excellent demo of the ball locking latch. Incredibly clear instructions and procedure. I appreciated being able to see the order of operations in doing the install correctly. Thumbs up and subscribing to your channel. Thank you.

[@ftroop211]

I just bought a used trailer and was wondering about the coupler, so thanks for posting informative video.

[@subradiant_music]

One thing I also noticed if your ball is way too loose your trailer jackknifes WAY easier so you have to turn and adjust more often. It is funny I actually landed on how to do this yesterday when I was trying to fix my tongue that got a slight twist to it because I jacked up one side of my trailer instead of the middle :(

[@TomwithaDream]

Great breakdown with excellent visuals to explain everything going on up inside there. Thanks!!
edit
"Enhance, enhance.." haha!! Great!

[@DonzLockz]

Awesome, perfect demo and explanation!🍻🤠

[@stephenharding7689]

Brilliant thank you

[@LockersGarage]

You're very welcome

[@Nord3202]

I got tighten the nut on my trailer, I can hear & feel it moving on bumps. Thanks

[@Tone202]

thanks man

[@nate4036]

A construction clamp like Dewalt will make everything much simpler. It would keep the springs compressed while tightening

[@rickigunter1960]

Did he say unratchet... LOL

[@darrylcarpenter903]

Thanks for the explanation.

[@hedhntress1]

Thank you learned something new 😊

[@victavares4140]

this was great, thank you!

[@myfixituplife]

Totally helpful. Nicely done.

[@timothywwendler2314]

Thank you very helpful

[@peglegtoo]

Great video. thx.

[@markchidester6239]

You must be a South Main Auto fan.
Enhance enhance, lol

[@l337pwnage]

5:48 "You really can't put that on backwards"
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

[@jonhill6648]

We just bought a used trailer and every 5sec it's thump, thump when trying to tow it. we can't even get up to normal speeds, so I'm guessing it's the coupler moving around on the ball. Yet watching the rear camera well driving it doesn't move and pulling on the trailer its secure.
I'm thinking we need a new coupler or kit, I wish I understood trailers more

[@weather4lifeyar509]

Excellent video

[@toddrowland7922]

Wow

[@TomHightower]

It's always an absolute pain to unhitch my TT - the coupler latch sticks sooooo bad I have to use a long screwdriver in there to unjam it. After watching this I'm wondering if maybe the coupler is bolted too tightly.

[@l337pwnage]

Make sure everything is lubed also. I had a finicky hitch until I lubed it. Most seem to be not lubed, or barely lubed, when new.

[@WoodyFrench]

how do you tell what size ball to use for your hitch?

[@88cameras]

Having a hard time with my respo AKFQ14B coupler not closeing. Almost looks like it mite have a lock to it.

[@oxyvlogs3431]

Just learned that u should not tighten the last bolt all the way test fit it 1st and tighten it as needed

[@kh2140]

Thanks for the info. I need to do that to my boat trailer hitch.

[@jasongarcia8786]

How can I adjust this trailer hitch it doesn't seem to be tight on the ball

[@gregkopp2123]

I wish you had shown how the coupler works from a top view after it is reassembled. There is a trigger-like device just under the handle that has to be moved in some fashion to open or close the coupler. I can’t see what it does or what I’m supposed to do to get it to work properly. Mostly I have problems making the latch grab the ball when I”m attaching my trailer. What the hell is wrong? Maybe you explained and showed what I need to do, but I never was able to see what you were doing with your hands from a top view!! Very frustrating. I liked your video and you obviously know what you’re talking about, but that part was lacking for me. Thanks.

[@l337pwnage]

A lack of lubrication can make a hitch sticky, also. Just a thought.
That top trigger just latches into a hole on the top to help prevent the hitch latch from popping up due to bumps in the road. That happened to a guy I know because the trigger would not latch into place.
Because no one can see your hitch, I recommend you go to a store and just see how a hitch looks when new and how it operates. That might help you to see if your hitch is missing parts or assembled incorrectly.

[@myco_space_kc5558]

Mine doesn’t clamp closed when the ball is in there

[@patrickford8716]

Are all couplers of this style able to be rebuilt as you show? my coupler is probably 30 or 35 years old. The cross pin will move forward and backward. it is slotted hole in coupler to move.

[@LockersGarage]

I would think if you can get the parts for it

[@jasongarcia8786]

On a tractor supply trailer dual axle 6 by 14

[@rayulrich3128]

What brand of coupler is that?

[@jimthompson717]

Here's a service tip: couplers are $18. Replace it.