Is this ball hitch gone?

irishguy19772 · 28-04-2022 05:54PM #1

Any advice would be great.

Have only got the trailer second hand.

Just want to err on the side of caution

epfff · 28-04-2022 06:50PM

I always recon with ball hitch if you asked it is.

They not expensive.

A twin wheel will run a fair distance if hops off

irishguy19772 · 28-04-2022 08:24PM

Sadly the brakes are not working. Going to get them done. Got a quote of 600 euro.

It is a 3.5 ton hitch, checked there and it is correct. Will go buy one tomorrow.

Looks fairly straightforward to put on.

Thanks for advice

epfff · 28-04-2022 10:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118990255#Comment_118990255

You can replace coupling if damper and rest is OK.

irishguy19772 · 29-04-2022 08:30AM

Thanks for all advice. Prices the coupling and around 125 euro for it.

Last question, is the way the hitch turns round on the first picture okay?

Is that supposed to happen?

JustJoe7240 · 29-04-2022 08:59AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118991601#Comment_118991601

yes, they swivel

AckwelFoley · 29-04-2022 09:17AM

Long gone

Also, remove the connection you have in the towball, looks like a chian. They're not legal in a 3500kg trailer and dangerous in event of decoupling. You need a breakaway cable and functional brakes. Going by the series of handbrake on the trailer I expect its 30+ years old.

irishguy19772 · 29-04-2022 10:17AM

Hey. Will get brakes done as a priority.

In the meantime is the chain around the hitch dangerous in case of decoupling? That is what is on it

Would have assumed it would stop the trailer from running away but would probably cause the jeep to turn over or something would it?

AckwelFoley · 29-04-2022 11:02AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118992106#Comment_118992106

The chain can't be there full stop. But in addition, the trailer can't be on the road without functioning brakes.

@funky_monkey has given you solid advice. I would personally advise you replace the complete overrun. I don't like how the hitchbhead is sitting on the drawtube, hard to tell from here but it looks like there could be wear on the drawtube bolts holes..then that would be a new drawtube and another 100 euro. I've little doubt there's more to be done with the overrun than just the head, and if downbthe line you buy the head and fit it and find the handbrake is not working or broken, you're cornered as that series handbrake has not been made for about 20 years

Auto and tailer spares in Omagh re good value. What you're looking for is a Bradley HU12

With these things on old trailers start at the back and work your way to the front, so fix brakes, cables, and then overrun/hitch

I suspect its and old ifor Williams with ALKO brakes you have. Black dust caps?

If it is have a real good look at the brake drums make sure there is no wear on the bearings or more importantly the bearing seating of the brake drums. If you lose one of those old drums they're extremely expensive

irishguy19772 · 29-04-2022 01:38PM

Great. Thanks. Looks good. Is it hard to replace the coupling if I get one?

AckwelFoley · 29-04-2022 03:04PM

Difficulty is relative, depends on experience. If you're getting the brakes done, you can have this done at the same time. It won't tale more than an hour.

Behind the handbrake there is a spring unit called the energy store. There is a spring that's preloaded and secured with a pin, and taped over with insulation tape. This pin can't be removed until the brake bar is fitted and tensioned. If you do, the handbrake can fly up and jaws have been known to be broken if one was unfortunate enough.

Don't fit a new overrun/hitch without having the brakes checked and working, because failure to have proper working brakes can damage the gas damper inside the overrun and will cost to replace.

Is this ball hitch gone?

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