Did you ever see one of these?

[easygo]

I'm in the process of building a trailer and picked up an "A" frame coupler for it. It seems well made but I wonder if anyone has seen this setup before. I don't want to weld it on and realize I should have gone with something else.

 

[BearKiller]

Some of the first ball-type goose-necks that I saw had that style of coupling.

(The genuine "GooseNeck" brand coupling was not a ball at all, but a big swiveling ring in a plate that the hollow neck of the trailer sat down over, with a big pin going through the hollow neck, thus capturing the big ring; all of this long before anyone decided to use the 2-5/16 and 3-inch balls.)

One thing for sure, the hitch you pictured is a no-nonsense, positive connection that can't have much go wrong to let a trailer loose.

 

[winddance]

The only problem i see is that if there is no way to adjust the pin it may be a little loose on some balls.

 

[easygo]

Thank you guys for the input.
I did think it may be loose on some balls for the lack of adjustment. But. If my trailer is built properly I hope it should have the tongue weight to give little to no work for that pin.
If anyone sees a problem with my thinking please let me know.

I compared it to my other trailer hitch and the hole or socket inside seems a little deeper thus not putting too much pressure on the rotating pin when backing up the trailer. The stamped information on the back says that it must be used with a 2" ball and the assembly itself is for a #8000 max combined load. Way more then my need right now. I'm shooting for a 6x11' single axle setup to carry a #2000-2200 max load plus weight of trailer.

 

[jayste]

That is one well built hitch! I'd say use it. It accepts a 2" ball which is ideal for most trailers the size that you're building. I assume you're planning on making an A-frame tongue on the trailer?

Jay

 

[franklinute]

I have the same brand in a 2 5/16" ball size on 2 of my trailers. Never had any problems. Easy to hook to and latch. You are missing the small pin on a cable which acts as a safety pin. I do like this style hitch because if something gets worn or broken it can be replaced.

 

[easygo]

Jay,
Yes it is going to be an A frame and I will weld the coupler on. I pretty much have the basic 6x11 frame built just have to find the time to do the A frame and attach the #3500 axle and come up with a final decision weather I will use sides or add more reinforcement and have stake pockets.

Franklinute,

Thanks for pointing out the missing pin. I just happened to have the right diameter pin with the safety buckle - leftover from another project.
I don't use my current trailer more then about 25-30 times a year so I guess that hitch should last me the lifetime of the new trailer.

Thank you for you input!!!!
I'm building the rig on the very cheap but I don't want end up with junk. When this project is complete it will not cost me more then two new tires and the $29 I payed for the pictured coupler. (I try not to count my time when I works for me)

 

[Wineslob]

The only problem i see is that if there is no way to adjust the pin it may be a little loose on some balls.

I hate that.

 

[J_J]

Does that pin cam lock to tighten up on the ball? It looks like the pin is not round, and the ball goes in with the flat side, and you turn the pin to cam-lock it. Maybe. What do your instructions say about it?

I have never seen one like that, but I like it.

 

[easygo]

Well. J-J you made a very good point there about the instructions. I just tried to contact the manufacturer to get the installation instructions. It turns out this particular hitch have not been made for 6 years and they DO NOT have the instructions anymore. The lady on the phone asked where and when I bought it. I said : a couple of days ago from a local retailer.
She guessed that it has been sitting in some warehouse for at least 6 years.

I will take some more pictures over the weekend and ask what you guys think of my intended installation process (ie: where I want to weld)

As for how it works. The large round pin has to be rotated so the flat side faces the towing ball. Then when the coupler is lowered onto the ball I let go of the little lever and a spring returns the pin to the lock position when the flat side faces away from the ball. On the other side the hole is for the safety pin that prevents the large pin from rotating. I see no option to adjust it.

Edit: The more I think about it the more I lean toward returning the coupler.