I'm looking for the best coupler I can buy...price doesn't matter, any ideas???

I'm towing a seadoo 18 ft boat with 2008 King Ranch this weekend on the hwy and the trailer jumps off the ball...with it latched and the cotter pin in!!! I can't have that happen again.

 

Something isn't right then...

 

um are u sure u have the right size ball because it sounds like u dont

 

No, it's 2" ball and a 2" coupler...stamped on both

 

My first guess would be that you need to tighten the coupler. With the trailer unhooked from the truck and the latch up (the unlocked position), push down on the latch and tighten the nut that is on the under side of the coupler. Put a couple full turns on the nut and see how tight it is on the ball of the truck, check the "slop". If there is still alot of slop then unhook the trailer and put a couple more turns on the nut.

 

I just found this site that also describes how to adjust the hitch, it also has a picture that is a cross section of the hitch. Scroll down about 1/3 to 1/2 way down the page and you should find it. Here is the link--->http://www.wildak.net/~rrrent/service.htm

 

I agree that something wasn't right. Probably wasn't latched correctly.....BUT
It is easier to not get it right on some hitches compared to others.

To answer your question:

For a standard coupler---not hydraulic brake activated:
Without a doubt the best coupler is a Bulldog clam-shell/Hammer blow style..
Don't fall for the Atwood look-a-like.. they hang up trying to get the ball off and are only about $10 cheaper.

They are available for a straight tongue, a-frame or plate mount:


Unfortunately you are very limited for hydraulic activation couplers. The closest to the Bulldog style is the Balcrank, but the hydraulic activation set up is a little weak in the mechanical-hydraulic design. Atwood, Demco and Dico are all equal in my opinion in the hydraulic activation hitches.... giving Demco a slight edge.

 

If you want this best this is it, or so I been told.


http://www.quickbitecouplers.com/

 

Get a Bulldog coupler. Can't beat it.

http://shop.easternmarine.com/index....categoryID=215

 

I agree with Smokin Lariat and Colorado Osprey, if you are swapping out the coupler completely get the Bulldog. We have them on 3 trailers and they are good little setups, very easy to use and pretty much idiot proof. And like Colorado said don't get the Atwood, we have that style on 2 trailers and they are a complete PITA. They are actually going to get cut off and replaced with a different coupler this spring, most likely going with Bulldogs again.

 

That's like the old TEM Autolock

I'm not sure I would call that the best... somewhere in the middle with all the others. They wear quickly as the mechanical closure is where most of the wear occurs. The Bulldog design is similar but opposite putting the stress away from the closure area. This greatly reduces the chance that it can work it's way open.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help...

 

Installed the bulldog this past weekend but I haven't broken it in yet...I'll update after this first tow...

 

Got back to work yesterday after a week off. Lots of trailers to work on.
Installed 3 new 2" ball Bulldog A-frame couplers and now I'm out of stock and need to re-order.

There really is no comparison to the real deal.
They don't ever fall off..... Now if you forget to close/latch the coupler that's another story......

 

***insert hi-jack here***

Quick question for the experts. I have a galvanized trailer for my 16' aluminum boat with a 1 7/8" coupling. My trailer is basically identical to a jet ski trailer. I have been thinking of changing out the front coupling portion to a 2" set up, possibly this bull dog you all speak of. My reason is I also tow my buddies boat in the summer and his is a 2" set up. Most trailers I have ever towed are a 2" set up so rather then keeping two draw bars in the tool box I have been thinking of swapping out my 1 7/8". I plan on keeping my boat\load-rite trailer for a while so is the bull dog worth it for me? How does it match with the galvanize?