What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

[Ki Ki]

Hello All..

Anyone know what this screw on trailer pressure mount is called? I have that on my boat, but it's pretty rusty. I'd rather have a really good one since it's a safety feature. I love that style of trailer mount, but finding the new screw on part with bottom coupling is difficult without knowing the name. The screw on part is pictured here:

http://forums.iboats.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=57055&d=1276961953

Would it be difficult to remove this style of old coupler and switch to the latch style? Can you do that without removing the entire end/ tongue of the trailer?

 

[geeco1]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

Thats called a handwheel coupler. They are/were fairly popular on U-Haul trailers and some others. Parts can still be purchased, just do a google search for "handwheel trailer coupler".

If your current coupler is just bolted to the tongue, then it should be an easy switch to a lever style coupler if desired.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

Thats called a handwheel coupler. They are/were fairly popular on U-Haul trailers and some others. Parts can still be purchased, just do a google search for "handwheel trailer coupler".

If your current coupler is just bolted to the tongue, then it should be an easy switch to a lever style coupler if desired.

I think I'd like to do the conversion. Can I just get a kit to unscrew the old handwheel coupler and switch it to the latch type?

 

[robert graham]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

I have one of those on a utility trailer and it rusted so I just replaced it with a section of threaded rod, bent over to form a handle, with a large wing nut to lock it in place. Ace Hardware has the threaded rod and wing nuts, very easy fix and my "handle" is better to get ahold of than that old wheel thing.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Shel...5fRVQ5fTrailerQ5fCamperQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I could buy something like this and swap it out? Is it tough to mount?

 

[robert graham]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

If your coupler is welded on the trailer tongue then it would be a job to cut it off to replace with the new lever type coupling. If it's just bolted on, then easy to remove/replace. Northern Tools has all the trailer equipment.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

If your coupler is welded on the trailer tongue then it would be a job to cut it off to replace with the new lever type coupling. If it's just bolted on, then easy to remove/replace. Northern Tools has all the trailer equipment.

Yep, it's just all bolted on. Actually, it being an old trailer, I noticed that the hand-wheel coupler it currently has consists of no spring. It just screws down and unlatches. Doesn't seem right.

I'm going to go to the lever type. Sounds like an easy job. Fulton Coupler Repair Kit (580801) for 11 and 1 Series Fas-Lok Couplers. Would that work for a 14 foot boat and trailer? It's class 1, but I'm sure it'd be okay.

Does any lock work on a coupler latch or does it have to be a specific one made for couplers?

 

[roscoe]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

You are going to have to buy a new coupler, like this:

Weld or bolt it on in place of the old coupler. They cost about $20.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

You are going to have to buy a new coupler, like this:

Weld or bolt it on in place of the old coupler. They cost about $20.

I need the whole new end piece or can I just get this part since the old hand wheel unscrews right off:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...0573285038&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Also, in that picture right there- stupid question- but does the screw just come off that bolt and feed underneath the bottom latch that connects to the ball?

 

[Brewman61]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

Does any lock work on a coupler latch or does it have to be a specific one made for couplers?

Any lock that will thread thru the latch will theoretically work- but they also make specific coupler locks that may be more secure.

I'd skip the conversion kit, and just bolt on the coupler unit that roscoe posted. Also watch the size. Match it to the size ball you're using.

 

[geeco1]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

I have never seen one that was just converted by switching out the handweel etc. I have always replaced the whole unit. As stated earlier, the whole piece is only about $20. I don't know if the conversion kit would hold as securely as an entire unit.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

Would it work by just unbolting the hand-wheel trailer part and put this one on? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...0573285038&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT

In other words, if it fits in the slot of the trailer will it work by doing it this way? Just swap them out?

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

Would it work by just unbolting the hand-wheel trailer part and put this one on? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...0573285038&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT

In other words, if it fits in the slot of the trailer will it work by doing it this way? Just swap them out?

I think the consensus is to switch the entire coupler, and not try to do a conversion from the handwheel coupler.

The link you've provided would make since if you were repairing an existing one.

I don't think anyone will agree the conversion WILL work, but only agree it MIGHT work. For the few bucks you'll save, compare it to what you're hauling on the trailer and if the trade off is worth the risk I guess try it. For less than $20, I'd unbolt the old coupler and put a new one on. (The part you listed is $6 with shipping as a starting bid)

Support iboats.com and get this for a few bucks more...

http://www.iboats.com/2-Channel-1-7...0529432--**********.191670801--view_id.133662

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

The difference in the cost of the kit vs buying a new coupler is negligible. Just put on the new coupler. The couplers are avaialable anywhere trailer parts are sold -- including local farm stores which is probably where they are cheapest.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

Fleet Farm and Norther Tool, have an extensive selection of these replacement couplers for a really affordable price. To me the decision to swap vs convert is kind of a no brainer.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: What's this trailer part called; where to purchase?

The handwheel type coupler is old school.
The latch type repair kits will not work in the housing that uses the handwheel.

That is why they sell a repair kit for them: http://www.etrailer.com/p-F520801.html

They do require the operator to know when the handwheel is properly adjusted everytime it is used.

Whereas the latch type coupler is more idiot proof.

You can buy a replacement coupler assembly for less than what they want for the handwheel repair kit.

You will have to drill new holes in the trailer tongue in order to bolt it on.