Better brand actuator?

[Mkos1980]

i have a dico 60 on there now that works perfect BUT it has the "multi fit" screw down type coupler. I am fed up with having to use channel locks everytime I try to tighten it. It works perfect with no ball but if theres a ball it likes to bind. I purchased a new latch hardware kit for it and installed but but its still VERY tight. I contacted the local Hitch and trailer place and explined my situation, they mentioned that , that is that number one complaint with that actuator. The offered a solution.. To get a new snap down latch kit and ball unit from a Dico 60 latch type but its not cheap at 75 some bucks. Since the actuator is kinda old but still works good, am I better off selling this as parts and picking up a new Latch stlye Dico, tiedown or Atwood?

I've used atwood in the past with good results but never tie down. All seemed priced from 100-130.

Any thoughts?

 

[gcboat]

Re: Better brand actuator?

From a personal opinion I'd go with the Atwood. Tie Down stuff can be good but my experiences with them have been not so good. My $.02

 

[dingbat]

Re: Better brand actuator?

I'm not sure if they changes since but the last Atwood I owned had a cast iron master cylinder. Constant problems with rust inside and out.

Went to Tie Down becouse they use an alumumin master cylinder. No problems with either Tiedown I've owned.

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Better brand actuator?

Any other thoughts?

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Better brand actuator?

Btt

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Better brand actuator?

BTT Sombodys running brakes out there except me!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Better brand actuator?

Ayuh,....

I've got the same coupler,+ I'm trying to figure out just What the problem is with Your's,....
I Love mine,...

The Trick I found with it is,...
Lower the neape til the ball is inside the coupler, but not resting on it,...
Push up on the jaw with my left fingers, while spinning the handnut down,..
Give it 1 last twist to Snug it,..

Then finish raising,+ stowing the jack...

You Have Greased it,.. Right,..??

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Better brand actuator?

Oh yea. Its greased. The problem I have is starting off. I'll lower it on the ball, turn a few times then thats it. I have to put screwdriver between the holes on the knob so I can get leverage to turn it. Half way up its becomes easy and then I can turn it the rest of the way by hand. Then on removal, I can unscrew it till the whole knob comes off crank up the jack but its not coming off. It lifts the back of the truck more and more and more and wham!! the hitch pops out, only to find gouges in my ball. GRRRRR I bought a new knock and latch kit from my local traielr dealer but its doing the same thing. Its like the latch underneigh has a hard time moving back.

Now with no ball it works perfect all the way tight and all the way loose. :/

 

[Bondo]

Re: Better brand actuator?

Ayuh,... Grease it... Grease the 'ell outta the Jaw, Inside the coupler...

And,..
You're lowering it Too Far when hooking up.. The Jaw is getting hung up on the shoulder under the Ball,...

If you only lower the neape til the coupler is Just over the Ball,...
Then use your off-hand to push the Jaw up,...
The handle-nut will Spin down freely...
Then finish lowering the neape, secure the jack,+ give 1 last Twist to the handle-nut....

The Coupler is Just Fine,... It's Your Technique.... I Think,...

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Better brand actuator?

I'll have to give it a try when I get the boat home from witner storage. Thanks!

PS, Does this happen to just screw type couplers? I've never had an issues with latch styles.

 

[captharv]

Re: Better brand actuator?

Get the Dico 10. Rated for boats up to 10,000#.
Had one on my last trailer. Was easy to maintain and worked well.

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Better brand actuator?

Well bond, I got it home and tried it your way and it works great. I think my problem was the truck was pushing back against the coupler making it very hard to screw up. If I lower it down and move the truck up an inch I can easily turn it up by hand!