Trailer Popped Right off of Hitch Ball !!

[kestrel452]

A question for those with a little seasoning...what could cause a trailer to pop right off of a ball...on a mild bump on a side street...? My trailer coupler is 2" and my hitch has a 2" ball. The locking lever was down, with the coupler pin installed to keep it from getting knocked out of position.

The only possible cause I can see is that the latching mechanism wasn't set tight enough by the technician who both installed my spare tire holder, and set the coupler latch. They did both right in front of me on pick up day. The spare tire holder was loose, and shifting back and forth on the trailer until I had them tighten it down. They tightened the coupler latch on the trailer by eyeballing it, they did not test fit it to tow vehicle, though I'm not even sure what checks are necessary for setting it.

While I thankfully haven't found any damage to my new WaveRunner or my vehicle, the skid plate on my trailer is worn a bit. So while I am wondering if it is indeed likely that my latching mechanism wasn't tightened down enough by the dealer technician, I am also wondering if that skid plate on my Triton LT can be replaced. If the answer to both is "yes"...I am contemplating demanding my dealer replace it at no charge.

[Team Bilford]

If they are both 2 inch, tighten the nut on the hitch tang until there is slight resistance closing the latch.
You also may not have enough tongue weight on the ball. It really shouldn't jump off even if left open. 10-15% of the gross weight of the trailer and ski should be on the ball.

[ZMANN]

I would re seat it and check again to verify what happened ,, you would not be the first person to activate the latch on top of the ball vs under it , i always stick my fingers into the coupler area and feel that the latch is under the ball

[kestrel452]

I would re seat it and check again to verify what happened ,, you would not be the first person to activate the latch on top of the ball vs under it , i always stick my fingers into the coupler area and feel that the latch is under the ball

I am pretty certain it was not just sitting on the ball, that is an obvious problem to spot. I raise the jack back up before latching, and pull up on the tongue to make sure it's secure (at least on the WaveRunner). I also know that wasn't the issue because I was towing the craft for over an hour around on everything from expressway, to bumpy side roads before it got just the right jolt to eject itself from the hitch ball.

[ZMANN]

also did you have the chains crisscrossed to help catch a loose trailer ?

[ZMANN]

not sure why your tech would have to "set the coupler latch adjustment" since they are usually pre set IME

I have bought far bigger trailers and never had the " tech check the coupler "
like I said when i latch them I can feel where the ball is captured and then I know it won't be an issue

I have seen trailers not coupled correctly go a long way before failure

[steve45]

I am pretty certain it was not just sitting on the ball, that is an obvious problem to spot. I raise the jack back up before latching, and pull up on the tongue to make sure it's secure (at least on the WaveRunner). I also know that wasn't the issue because I was towing the craft for over an hour around on everything from expressway, to bumpy side roads before it got just the right jolt to eject itself from the hitch ball.

It's not always "an obvious problem to spot." And if it's not installed correctly, it won't necessarily pop off right away, either. Ask me how I know.

[guybb3]

It's not always "an obvious problem to spot." And if it's not installed correctly, it won't necessarily pop off right away, either. Ask me how I know.

My father did it to me on our double trailer. Luckily it popped off right away as we have a big bump @ the end of the driveway.

[kestrel452]

also did you have the chains crisscrossed to help catch a loose trailer ?

Yes. I always cross the chains.

[Myself]

Sounds like the lever nut underneath was simply too loose. I've tightened SEVERAL on customer machines.

[ZMANN]

Takeaway
check your balls and nuts boys and girls

[steve45]

Takeaway
check your balls and nuts boys and girls

Always good to have another set of eyes look at it. I think I'll ask my wife to check mine.