trailer couplers

YY1 said

If the torque on the tongue of the improperly loaded trailer was enough to wallow the coupler and let the ball come out.....

I'd replace it.

...and if it's heavy enough I'd consider paying someone to do it.

My commercially built 5x8 trailer has a 1 7/8 coupler.

Everything else I own is 2".

I have a 2" coupler for it and I plan to do it my self.
Cutting the old one off is going to be a pain.

If it were a car or equipment trailer, I think I'd spend the money to have it done professionally.

Click to expand...

I've done that sort of work before, without issues. I am confident in my abilities to weld a new one on.
I doubt that 1 time was enough to wallow anything out. I know it's old, I cut down a camper frame, moved the axle, and built the dovetail on this trailer, right about 13 years ago. There is a "74" deeply engraved in the existing coupler below the brand, a big "2" (2 inch) and all the patent numbers I wouldn't be surprised if that "74" was a date stamp.
I've towed this thing all over the place including 300-350 mile round trip the 2 days prior at interstate speeds, with the same drawbar behind my other truck without issue. Usually I tow my own garden tractors (often 2-3 at a time) or car parts, etc on this trailer. Just one time I needed something bigger, and this happens.
My son says his tractor is around 1400 lb, the axle is rated for 3500 (and yeah I know that includes the weight of the trailer itself too)