Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

to tow it to the shop, tighten it down and wire the wheel so that it can't turn

Use safety wire.. NOT electrical wire... about 4 strands around the tongue,, twisted 3 or 4 times and through a hole in the wheel (if it doesn't have a hole drill one) and twisted till tight... then pass one end on each side of twists between wheel and tongue and twist tight again.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-10160?seid=srese1&gclid=COa6kLiy87cCFe9cMgodihMAmg

you should be able to get it at your local auto parts store too.


If you can't confidently do this then It needs to go to the shop on a wrecker

 

[E_S_A_D]

Re: Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

to tow it to the shop, tighten it down and wire the wheel so that it can't turn

Use safety wire.. NOT electrical wire... about 4 strands around the tongue,, twisted 3 or 4 times and through a hole in the wheel (if it doesn't have a hole drill one) and twisted till tight... then pass one end on each side of twists between wheel and tongue and twist tight again.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-10160?seid=srese1&gclid=COa6kLiy87cCFe9cMgodihMAmg

you should be able to get it at your local auto parts store too.


If you can't confidently do this then It needs to go to the shop on a wrecker

I might be able to do it myself, however, a couple of questions. If I get a bolt on coupler, does it HAVE to be welded?

I assume I cut off the old coupler, drill holes for the new coupler, get 8 gauge screws and locking bolts with washers and bolt them on?

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

Call a tow truck, have it towed to the trailer shop, hand them your credit card and be done with it. Pay them extra to make sure your safety chains and everything else is okay. I just watched a news story about a trailer that came off a car and the tongue impaled an oncoming driver and his 4 year old son in the seat behind him. They're dead. I don't think this is a McGuyver type situation for you.

 

[E_S_A_D]

Re: Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

Our closest trailer shop to this boat is approximately 100 miles.


I might be able to do it myself, however, a couple of questions. If I get a bolt on coupler, does it HAVE to be welded?

I assume I cut off the old coupler, drill holes for the new coupler, get 8 gauge screws and locking bolts with washers and bolt them on?

 

[E_S_A_D]

Re: Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

To size it for a new one measure the existing tubing its on, then start hunting.Their sized by the size tubing its bolted or welded to and the load it pulls like A CLASS 2 , 3 ,4 or 5

Referencing this suggestion in my post...

 

[E_S_A_D]

Re: Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

Literally at store and no response ugh

 

[SWD]

Re: Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

Grade 8 bolts and washers and some nyloc nuts.

Bolting it one should be fine, running a good weld over it would be the best.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

You may be able to order a wheel coupler and use those parts to rebuild yours, if not then yes you can put on a new latch type with bolts and lock nuts, and use grade 8 bolts. With a bolt on type I like to make spacers to go over the bolts inside the tubing so it wont squeeze in then the bolts are tightened.

 

[Don Hansen]

Re: Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

Since its nowhere to be found online. Anyone have a MCGiver like suggestion to keep the bottom part of coupler attached to top of handwheel with missing spring and latch lock???

I try to make this short. Thirty years ago when the treads on my latch type coupler stripped while I was hooking up for a 1500 mile trip, I replaced it with a 1/2 inch bolt, some big washers, and a nylock nut. Takes a socket and a Crescent wrench to tighten it but since I only do it 8 or 10 times a year I never went back to the old method. Cost maybe 5 bucks and it's going to take a lot to break that Grade 8 bolt.

If you like I'll post a picture or 2.

DLH

 

[E_S_A_D]

Re: Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

Found a shop to weld a new one on for $100 total including parts and coupler. Winning!

 

[SWD]

Re: Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

Good job! $100 well spent.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Hand Wheel Coupler Works Way Loose

That is the best solution.