Hitch slop - not the receiver

Lmbrjk · 07-15-2021, 07:46 PM

Was doing maintenance on my hitch today and noticed that I could move the ball vertically in the coupler about 1/4". This seems like to much play to me. I looked for a way to adjust it and could not find any. Ball is the right size and the coupler looks ok and is only 1 year old.
Should I worry about this?

Jagiven · 07-15-2021, 08:45 PM

Seems like a lot. All my trailers fit nicely. I have not seen adjustable on modern hitches.

I know you say you have the right size ball, but what size is it?

Any slop side to side?

Woodworker · 07-16-2021, 03:14 AM

Mine moves to. I have an adjustment bolt on mine that tightens it up but even after applying lock tite it backs off. It's been like that for yrs I just live with it. I think mine loosens or what ever because of the angle of the truck an trailer everytime I back up the hill or come down off the hill to leave

crockettlarry · 07-16-2021, 06:19 AM

Hmmm... I've never had one get loose. Maybe try putting a lock washer on the bottom when you tighten the nut. Or is it one of them thar new fangled ones without nuts?

Lmbrjk · 07-16-2021, 07:33 AM

The hitch ball mic's at just better than 2 1/4" so it's a little shy of the 2 5/16 it should be. But that shouldn't account for that movement. There is very little play side to side. The underjaw has no bolt or nut adjustment on it that I can see. It just slides forward when released - maybe just not far enough. It's plenty loose and well lubed so I don't think it's sticking.
My hitch ball is a welded one - no bolt or lock washer to contend with.
Maybe with 1100lbs of tongue weight it just isn't an issue.

Grumpy · 07-16-2021, 07:41 AM

Here's what E-trailer says about their similar unit:

The etrailer Weld-On A-Frame 2-5/16-Inch Coupler, part # CA5400, does not have any adjustment screw to enable you to take up the slack in the fit with your hitch ball. This coupler is produced by a stamping process and this type of manufacturing method will have some slight variances from one unit to another. The 1/4-inch play you find is fairly typical.

Lmbrjk · 07-17-2021, 09:14 AM

Thanks for the help guys. Looks like I'm good to go according to e-trailer.
Did the hitch test (lifted the TV with the tongue jack) and everything stays where it should. Thanks Grumpy for the e-trailer find - very informative.

videoarizona · 07-24-2021, 01:01 PM

That's a good idea anyway to use the power jack to lift the tongue after you hitch up. You know it's a good connection if you can lift the tongue up high.

thenne1713 · 07-30-2021, 09:11 AM

Maybe wrong ball????? Check engraved/ stamped spec and ETRAILER for available sizes?

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