tongue coupler problem

[diannelgraham]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Thank you. So it's the 7000# with low profile latch.
https://www.etrailer.com/A-Frame-Tra.../BD028287.html

That’s the one I put on. As an after thought I should have gone with the high profile latch, I have arthritis in my hands And it might be easier to open. The low profile I can still open just a bit of a struggle sometimes

[John in Santa Cruz]

With the bulldogs, seems like closing that hinged side would be challenging if the ball is a little off center?

[diannelgraham]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

With the bulldogs, seems like closing that hinged side would be challenging if the ball is a little off center?

It is impossible to close if it’s not positioned correctly. I’m solo and I’ve gotten good at using my truck backup camera. It can’t be centered it needs to be left of center on the drivers side.

[gbaglo]

My trailer is 12 years old and I never realized there was a problem latching the hitch. Have to pay more attention, I guess.

[diannelgraham]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

My trailer is 12 years old and I never realized there was a problem latching the hitch. Have to pay more attention, I guess.

Your hitch is not the cheap one ETI moved too, most likely for cost reduction. Or you just might be a hitch wizard

[Jill]

Originally Posted by diannelgraham

Your hitch is not the cheap one ETI moved too, most likely for cost reduction. Or you just might be a hitch wizard

When do you think they moved to the cheap hitch? Would be nice to blame our hitching troubles on the hitch and not our lack of expertise!

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

With the bulldogs, seems like closing that hinged side would be challenging if the ball is a little off center?

John maybe getting the bigger latch would be easier ? Pat

[diannelgraham]

Originally Posted by Jill

When do you think they moved to the cheap hitch? Would be nice to blame our hitching troubles on the hitch and not our lack of expertise!

Maybe cheaper was not the correct word to use, they changed to this design 2015 timeframe. Since then couplers issues has popped up on the form on a regular basis. I got tired of fighting the coupler and switched it out.

[Iowa Dave]

Well there you go Glenn. You got one of the good heavy duty ( heavy flipper on the top) ones like we have and you are a hitch wizard. Makes for a good combination.
Iowa Dave

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

John maybe getting the bigger latch would be easier ? Pat

not from what I can see. you have to push the side in, then the latch moves the collar over the side to lock it down. watch the video on the bulldog link on the etrailer site.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by diannelgraham

Maybe cheaper was not the correct word to use, they changed to this design 2015 timeframe. Since then couplers issues has popped up on the form on a regular basis. I got tired of fighting the coupler and switched it out.

so my 2014 likely has the original american-made Atwood coupler, and the 2015ish and later have the asian RAM copy ?

[diannelgraham]

I have had this coupler for over a year now. Unless and it’s possible I’m doing something totally dense you can’t push the slider part in and couple it if it’s to far right on the ball.

[alanmalk]

Originally Posted by diannelgraham

Maybe cheaper was not the correct word to use, they changed to this design 2015 timeframe. Since then couplers issues has popped up on the form on a regular basis. I got tired of fighting the coupler and switched it out.

I'm leaning in this direction, too. On level ground I can usually complete the latching process if the ball is forward of the hitch by that magic 3/8 inch. But on an incline - no way. I have to drive slowly to a level spot and try again. It's getting old...
--
Alan

[diannelgraham]

Originally Posted by alanmalk

I'm leaning in this direction, too. On level ground I can usually complete the latching process if the ball is forward of the hitch by that magic 3/8 inch. But on an incline - no way. I have to drive slowly to a level spot and try again. It's getting old...
--
Alan

My driveway at home my truck is at a slant up a slight grade my trailer is level,it could take me up to an hour of moving back and forth to get it to de couple. At campsites if I was staying less then 5 days I didn’t even bother, it was such a pain and I found out
swearing didn’t help.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

not from what I can see. you have to push the side in, then the latch moves the collar over the side to lock it down. watch the video on the bulldog link on the etrailer site.

Thanks John I will . Pat

[Calicia]

When hooking up I use a rubber mallet to push the side in to allow the sleeve to slide over. I assure you no one wants to risk having their fingers pinched by the sleeve. ��
I am a weak 74 year old woman and as long as I keep the latch lubricated with lithium spray I can pull the latch open easily when unhooking.
I also have the 7000# low profile latch bulldog.

[steve dunham]

Last night while looking at Bulldog couplers on the web I decided to search for Ram trailer couplers . Found them on sale for as low as $12.99 USD
Not sure if it’s the one Escape uses but appeared to be the same
A Bulldog coupler is 5 times more expensive, or a 500% increase in cost or $50 more
All depends how you want to look at it !!

[Greg A]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

Last night while looking at Bulldog couplers on the web I decided to search for Ram trailer couplers . Found them on sale for as low as $12.99 USD
Not sure if it’s the one Escape uses but appeared to be the same
A Bulldog coupler is 5 times more expensive, or a 500% increase in cost or $50 more
All depends how you want to look at it !!

And worth every penny of the diffference.

[diannelgraham]

Originally Posted by Calicia

When hooking up I use a rubber mallet to push the side in to allow the sleeve to slide over. I assure you no one wants to risk having their fingers pinched by the sleeve. ��
I am a weak 74 year old woman and as long as I keep the latch lubricated with lithium spray I can pull the latch open easily when unhooking.
I also have the 7000# low profile latch bulldog.

I also use a rubber mallet. I’m going out today to buy some lithium spray, thanks for posting

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

Last night while looking at Bulldog couplers on the web I decided to search for Ram trailer couplers . Found them on sale for as low as $12.99 USD
Not sure if it’s the one Escape uses but appeared to be the same
A Bulldog coupler is 5 times more expensive, or a 500% increase in cost or $50 more
All depends how you want to look at it !!

unless you're handy with a welder, the labor to install one exceeds the purchase price which reduces that $50 price differential to noise.