Rusty Bulldog trailer coupler

[JimS]

I have a rusty bulldog trailer coupler. Thats the coupler with a collar you pull back to release the hitch or
push forward to engage the hitch. The lever that pops out to the side that holds the ball is very, very stiff.
I can pry it with a tool, but it does pop out. Ive applied CLP lubricant, tapped on it, and worked it
repeatedly trying to get it to loosen to no avail.

What are your tips and suggestions to free this up?

 

[jimtrs]

(quoted from post at 12:43:24 03/16/22)
What are your tips and suggestions to free this up?

I personally dislike that style. A friend that has that on his equipment trailer, welded a larger piece onto it, to use as a handle (or something to use a BFH on)

 

[jimtrs]

I have had great luck lately using a penetrant called Free-All. Reallly like this stuff

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

Apply CLP lubricant, tap it, and work it back and forth.

Not much else you can do except cut it off and replace it with a better coupler.

 

[rrman61]

Been there done that.if it doesnt work freely the hinge pin where the coupler pivots will eventually break.the collar will hold it all together as long as the spring holds it closed.I am not going to trust replacing the hinge pin on mine.I have a new coupler on ordered.kits are sold to rebuild these I just dont know how hard getting the old hinge pin out would be

 

[DoubleO7]

I believe the only rebuild kit is the parts that move the collar back and forth.
No hinge in offered anywhere.

 

[DoubleO7]

Try heating it with a torch, even propane. Then as it cools spray on your penatrent until it stops boiling off. Capillary attraction will help it get in further.
I would also rattle the pin area with an air hammer or air chisel.

 

[jon f mn]

What would be better?

 

[caterpillar guy]

Some diesel fuel will soak in faster and easier than all the snake oils around. Then after it limbers up oil it well with some gear oil and cover with a waterproof cover of some kind pail or other.

 

[SVcummins]

More penetrating oil and keep working it until frees up . The pintle hitches on big trucks get so stiff you have to take a sledge hammer and pry bar to get them open enough pb blaster and working it frees them up

 

[Steve@Advance]

Weld a 2 inch pipe coupling to the trailer frame.

Drop your least favorite hammer down in the coupling.

Then it will always be there when you need it!