2021 OWNERS MANUAL / 434
If the latch handle does not close freely, DO NOT tow the trailer
until locating and correcting the cause of the problem. Forcing
the latch handle closed will make opening the latch handle ex-
tremely dicult.
Squeaking, Clunking And Clattering At The
Actuator
Possible Cause Remedy
The hitch ball requires
lubrication
Lubricate with conventional multi- pur-
pose lubricant or commercial lubricant
made for hitch balls.
Loose hitch ball Inspect the hitch ball and tighten.
Loose hitch Inspect the hitch and repair.
A worn or too small
hitch ball
Replace the hitch ball with a quality
unit that meets SAE specifications.
Air in the brake lines,
allowing the actuator
to travel too far
Check for leaks and re-bleed the
brakes.
Trailer equipped with
“free backing” brakes
Clunking noise is typical for these
types of brakes as long as braking
performance is normal.
Coupler Latch Handle Not Opening Or Clos-
ing Easily
Possible Cause Remedy
Ball not fully inserted
in ball socket
Check for the proper ball size and pos-
itive tongue load. Check to see if the
tongue jack is fully retracted. Make sure
there are no foreign objects or exces-
sive points inside the coupler cavity.
Trailer and tow vehicle
not level with each oth-
er or facing downhill
Reposition the tow vehicle and trailer
or block a trailer tire and extend the
actuator.
Oversize hitch ball Check ball size at several positions.
The ball should be within 1.970”-2.000”
in diameter. Replace if necessary.
Excessive corrosion Lubricate or replace parts as necessary.
Ball clamp
Interference
This condition can occur on certain
styles/types of ball mounts. Replace as
necessary, or lift the coupler slightly to
enable the clamp to slide past the inter-
ference, then let the coupler back down.
If any of the following potential problems develop, the trailer must
be immediately stopped and the proper corrective action taken
before the trailer is placed back in service. Failure to do so may
lead to loss of proper trailer braking capability or damage to the
trailer and load.
2021MCOwnerManualFINAL.indd 434 8/26/20 1:55 PM