So I'm having an issue wuth my goosneck trailer I just bought I think..When i close the coupler, i can only drop the spring loaded pin in the first hole, it doe lock and keep the copler from opening atleast via hand.. but i can't get the pin into the middle plate it just doesn't quite line upis this dangerous, can it be fixed by hammering on it?anyone have a clue what i'm talking about? lol
Posted 2011-10-23 9:30 PM (#138445 - in reply to #138443) Subject: RE: Gooseneck coupler question - help
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
First thing you need to check is will the spring-loaded pin drop into the appropriate hole on the lower plate when the trailer is hooked up to NOTHING...If that fails, you need to find out why...
If that works, then try to lock it onto a loose ball that you are holding...If that fails, you need to find out why...
If that works, then grease up the ball after you put it back into the bed of your truck and check it again...
Posted 2011-10-24 8:55 AM (#138455 - in reply to #138443) Subject: RE: Gooseneck coupler question - help
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Above and beyond what Paul has suggested. You can also hook up to your truck, lock the pin and then jack up your trailer jack until it starts to lift the truck. If it holds and stays locked, then maybe it is doing it's job and you are just over concerned. But I'm going to bet on Paul suggestions above that their is something bent or out of alignment,
Posted 2011-10-24 3:09 PM (#138472 - in reply to #138443) Subject: RE: Gooseneck coupler question - help
Member
Posts: 12
anyone here work at a trailer dealership or really know these couplers inside and out? is it safely locked closed with the pin just in the first top hole/plate?
Posted 2011-10-24 4:40 PM (#138475 - in reply to #138443) Subject: RE: Gooseneck coupler question - help
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Lockport, Illinois
Paul Christenson and Gard are two of the most intelligent members of the forum when it comes to trailer questions, I would not doubt their word. There is a reason there are three holes that your spring loaded pin goes through, SAFETY. The center piece goes around the neck of the ball, keeping the trailer locked on the ball. You definitely have something wrong with your hitch, the center piece has to align, there is something keeping it from closing. Apply some type of rust breaker/lubricant on the piece, especially where it pivots, and tap it both ways, hopefully it will free itself and the holes will align.
Posted 2011-10-24 10:05 PM (#138489 - in reply to #138459) Subject: RE: Gooseneck coupler question - help
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Diesel on 2011-10-24 10:58 AM
the pin drops in the top plate hole fine uncoupled but will not align with and drop into the middle plate
Then I'd recommend you contact a trailer dealer in your area and have them examine your hitch...IF they can't or won't send someone out to you...then you will have to take it in to the dealership, make sure you have your safety chains hooked up and drive SLOW on the way to the dealership
Posted 2011-10-24 10:07 PM (#138490 - in reply to #138472) Subject: RE: Gooseneck coupler question - help
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Diesel on 2011-10-24 3:09 PM
anyone here work at a trailer dealership or really know these couplers inside and out? is it safely locked closed with the pin just in the first top hole/plate?
Post some pictures of your hitch open and closed...both side shots and shots looking up into the hitch opening
Posted 2011-10-24 10:09 PM (#138491 - in reply to #138475) Subject: RE: Gooseneck coupler question - help
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by BigT on 2011-10-24 4:40 PM
Paul Christenson and Gard are two of the most intelligent members of the forum when it comes to trailer questions, I would not doubt their word. There is a reason there are three holes that your spring loaded pin goes through, SAFETY. The center piece goes around the neck of the ball, keeping the trailer locked on the ball. You definitely have something wrong with your hitch, the center piece has to align, there is something keeping it from closing. Apply some type of rust breaker/lubricant on the piece, especially where it pivots, and tap it both ways, hopefully it will free itself and the holes will align.
FLUID FILM the dickens out of it then thump it with an engineer's hammer...
Posted 2011-10-24 10:34 PM (#138494 - in reply to #138489) Subject: RE: Gooseneck coupler question - help
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Lockport, Illinois
Originally written by PaulChristenson on 2011-10-24 10:05 PM
Originally written by Diesel on 2011-10-24 10:58 AMthe pin drops in the top plate hole fine uncoupled but will not align with and drop into the middle plate
Then I'd recommend you contact a trailer dealer in your area and have them examine your hitch...IF they can't or won't send someone out to you...then you will have to take it in to the dealership, make sure you have your safety chains hooked up and drive SLOW on the way to the dealershipMost gooseneck hitch tubes are removable, if you can't free up the middle plate so all holes align, remove the tube and take it to a dealer.
Gooseneck coupler question - help
