Bear trailer issue

the hammer · Post by **the hammer** » 13 Oct 2021, 12:43

I tried lifting the tongue off the hitch by raising the trailer jack but I don’t know if that would really prove anything.

MrGiggles · Post by **MrGiggles** » 13 Oct 2021, 16:46

Doesn't look like a locknut to me.. Should have a Stover/Nyloc on it, even if it has a lock washer.

the hammer · Post by **the hammer** » 13 Oct 2021, 17:29

MrGiggles wrote: ↑13 Oct 2021, 16:46 Doesn't look like a locknut to me.. Should have a Stover/Nyloc on it, even if it has a lock washer.

Just a regular nut.

MN Fisher · Post by **MN Fisher** » 13 Oct 2021, 18:39

the hammer wrote: ↑13 Oct 2021, 17:29
Just a regular nut.

That's probably the issue - unless it's a lock-nut or at least has a lock washer, the vibration of carting it down the road will loosen the nut and could possibly cause you to lose the trailer on a bump.

Just go with a lock-nut...solves a lot of the issues.

Note: While the boat I picked up had a lock washer on the coupler mechanism, I replaced the regular nut and lock washer with a lock-nut.

LDUBS · Post by **LDUBS** » 13 Oct 2021, 23:47

the hammer wrote: ↑13 Oct 2021, 12:43 I tried lifting the tongue off the hitch by raising the trailer jack but I don’t know if that would really prove anything.

Oops!

LDUBS · Post by **LDUBS** » 13 Oct 2021, 23:49

the hammer wrote: ↑13 Oct 2021, 12:43 I tried lifting the tongue off the hitch by raising the trailer jack but I don’t know if that would really prove anything.

I do the same thing with the travel trailer. Just to make sure. Actually, I have to do that in order to hook up the weight distribution bars, but it seems like a good test to me.

JL8Jeff · Post by **JL8Jeff** » 14 Oct 2021, 10:24

My coupler has a spring and a nylock lock nut. I actually have to remove the coupler from the trailer to fit the boat in the garage at an angle and be able to close the door. Does your coupler have a spring under that metal plate?

the hammer · Post by **the hammer** » 14 Oct 2021, 11:27

JL8Jeff wrote: ↑14 Oct 2021, 10:24 My coupler has a spring and a nylock lock nut. I actually have to remove the coupler from the trailer to fit the boat in the garage at an angle and be able to close the door. Does your coupler have a spring under that metal plate?

Yes.

lckstckn2smknbrls · Post by **lckstckn2smknbrls** » 16 Oct 2021, 18:49

The metal plate under the nut has raised sides that keep the nut from backing off.

the hammer · Post by **the hammer** » 18 Oct 2021, 08:35

I’m wondering if it might be to my advantage to make the hitch ball higher by 2” rather than hitch and trailer being level. I can’t help but think it may have helped.

LDUBS · Post by **LDUBS** » 18 Oct 2021, 12:45

I don't think you would gain anything by raising the hitch. Better to keep the trailer level I think.

MN Fisher · Post by **MN Fisher** » 18 Oct 2021, 15:00

LDUBS wrote: ↑18 Oct 2021, 12:45 I don't think you would gain anything by raising the hitch. Better to keep the trailer level I think.

Exactly...raising the hitch will make the ball/coupler connection 'off center'. More centered the connection, the less chance of it jumping off due to an incomplete closure of the latch.

the hammer · Post by **the hammer** » 18 Oct 2021, 19:31

You guys are probably right, considering how close I have it to level!