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Old 05-15-2010, 08:08 PM   #21
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

Hi: gharms... Did you try taking the stinger out of the tow vehicle and coupling it to the trailer by itself That is how my RV tech adjusted the coupler nut on our former Boler. Make sure there is enough play to swing the coupler from side to side and up and down. The ball won't stay held up in the coupler unless it's clamped in. Sounds to me like the coupler is to tight and it could have done that on your way home to Wisc. The adjustment nut is very hard to see and it's a messy job!!! I don't remember seeing any teeth in there but they sound sharp. Alf p.s. HokieEscapes owner is a tooth expert
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Old 05-17-2010, 08:35 AM   #22
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

After reading through this thread again, and looking for images online how a coupler and adjustment nut look, my (very much experienced at towing) dad and I went again to have a look. Both of us did not see any adjustment nut underneath. The problem of not being able to lock the coupler is still existing. Even without ball we cannot lock the coupler that way to be able to install the pin or hitch lock! Once again, we did not find ANY adjustment nut. Now Cafe Egg sits in the storage lot and cannot get used. Is there a possibility that Tammy and Reace changed the coupler since the problem existed before with the adjustment nut? My dad mentioned to me that I need a new coupler altogether. Makes sense, as this one even does not lock without ball.
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Old 05-17-2010, 09:12 AM   #23
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

Hi: gharms... A 911 call to Reace seems to be in order to solve your dilemma. Having a 5.0 I have never had this situation with Escape. Sorry it had to be you!!! Alf
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Old 05-17-2010, 10:32 AM   #24
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

gharms -- when you tried to latch the coupler without the ball in it, did you pull it forward (horizontally, towards the front of the coupler) before you tried to latch it down? Ours moves backwards and up when it unlatches, so to latch we have to move it (1) forward, and then (2) down -- at which point the teeth on the handle engage with the slots on the top of the coupler. Also, is it really dry? Try lubing it with white grease, if it is.

I'd urge you to try latching it in this manner without the ball, and if it works, then try it with the ball.

Hope this helps.
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Old 05-17-2010, 10:58 AM   #25
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

Indeed we tried it without the ball, and with the movements like you described. That way theoretically the teeth should slide right into the slots. Also we lubed the coupler and ball well with white grease. The problem is that the teeth are not at all aligned with the slots; the teeth are about 2 mm too far up front.
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Old 05-17-2010, 11:54 AM   #26
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

I am a bit confused, but that is nothing new.

I know of no teeth on my hitch, and the nut is very obvious. Maybe Escape is using a new hitch.

Here is a crappy cell phone shot of my hitch. Please excuse the flare from the sun. Does your hitch look anything like this one Gerda?


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Old 05-17-2010, 01:12 PM   #27
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

I'm guessing that the teeth Gerda is likely referring to is on top of the hitch as part of the coupler safety latch mechanism which should flip down and the little "Teeth" (one on each side) slot in so the ball clamp can't pop up/open and release the ball from the coupler when hitched.
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Old 05-17-2010, 01:36 PM   #28
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

Now that picture looks exactly like those I found via Google, but soooo different from what Cafe Egg has. Thank you Jim for this picture. Indeed Escape has changed the coupler then. I actually get the impression now that the main pin that is holding the coupler mechanism is bent. It looks not very straight, looking at it. And given the fact that I cannot get those teeth to go in their slots without any ball involved this idea seems feasible. I will take some pictures tonight and send them to Tammy and Reace to troubleshoot.

Brad, yes those teeth I was referring to. You must have the same type coupler than me.
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Old 05-17-2010, 02:08 PM   #29
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

Gerda:

Here is what I see on my coupler looking from the side:

Attached Thumbnails
IMGP8634 sm.jpg   IMGP8635 sm.jpg  
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Old 05-17-2010, 02:09 PM   #30
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

And here is what I see looking from underneath:
Attached Thumbnails
IMGP8636 sm.jpg   IMGP8637 sm.jpg  
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Old 05-17-2010, 02:10 PM   #31
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

Brian, that is quite different from mine.

I imagine Reace will be able to straighten Gerda out. Well, at least in regards to the hitch thing.
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Old 05-17-2010, 02:17 PM   #32
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

We took delivery of our trailer in February, and Reace mentioned that it was a new design.

It is rated SAE Class III.

In each set of pictures the first one is with the coupler in the unlatched position, the second is in the latched position.

The little teeth drop into the body of the coupler, locking the latch down.

We have had no trouble hitching with this coupler.
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Old 05-17-2010, 02:21 PM   #33
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

My 19 has the same coupler system as depicted by Brian's photos. It is called a "wrap-around yoke" style coupler

Per etrailer.com's faqs, the instructions for opening & closing a...

Wrap Around Yoke Coupler operating
Lift latch handle and pull backward, raising yoke onto coupler nose to unhitch
To hitch up, place coupler on ball and push latch handle forward until yoke drops over nose
Latch tips secure into slots on coupler top

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any troubleshooting info on their site.
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Old 05-17-2010, 02:22 PM   #34
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

Yes, that is exactly the coupler Cafe Egg has. And the second pictures with the coupler latched we cannot reproduce. The teeth just would not drop into the body of the coupler. That was already difficult in SSM, when Paul and Bob helped me, but at least then we were able to eventually get it to latch. But now nothing goes with those teeth.
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Old 05-17-2010, 02:48 PM   #35
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

Maybe just lash it together with a bungee cord.
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Old 05-17-2010, 05:57 PM   #36
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

Gerda:

As Brad says, the coupler seems to be this one: http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Coup...ood/80071.html

From your description it appears that your coupler was damaged in some way.

Atwood's origins were in Madison, WI, so I would hope that there is some one in Madison who might be able to repair or replace your coupler!

If your father is right, that it needs to be replaced, they are not that expensive ($30). A good welder should be able to remove the old one and put on a new one.



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Old 05-18-2010, 07:58 PM   #37
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?


I'm anxiously awaiting the resolution to this problem.....

What's the latest?

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Old 05-18-2010, 08:06 PM   #38
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

Resolution? Alf and I would recommend the following:
  • Sell your 13, 15, 17 or 19 for a profit (everybody wants one)
    • Buy a 5.0 (It's sooooooooo easy to hook up)
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Old 05-18-2010, 11:35 PM   #39
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

Here an update: Indeed something on the coupler is bent. I sent some pics of the coupler to Reace, and he recognized that as something seen before. Something that apparently can be fixed easily with a hammer, a bent in the pin that has the spring on it I guess. The coupler seems to function. Reace and Tammy sent me some photos how to do the fix. I will keep you posted on how this goes. Hopefully Cafe Egg gets the well deserved bath this coming weekend, hehe!
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Old 05-19-2010, 12:08 AM   #40
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Re: is there an easier way to hitch the trailer?

Gerda - Could you post the pics & any other instructions that Reace & Tammy sent of how to do the fix? It might be useful to anyone else who happens to encounter the same problem sometime in the future. Plus, I'm curious as well as the others.
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