Demco eZ-Latch coupler Upgrade (TAB 320 BD)

rh5555

A tip for anyone else about to try drilling a new coupler.  Getting the holes drilled accurately is very important.

Use the baseplate as a template:  Line up the circular cutouts for the jack and clamp in place.

Use a drill stop like these https://a.co/d/bAncDW3

picking the one that fits snugly in the holes in your template. Take out the setscrew.  Drill through the drill stop to get an accurate pilot hole.  Then open up those pilot holes to the finished size.

bjn2

I decided to fill the gaps on my Demco coupler with a couple of 2" x 6" rectangles of 1/2" thick steel. I drilled two holes that align with the two rear holes in the coupler and tapped them for securing with 1/2-13 x 3/4" bolts. I painted the spacers black and the bolts are secured with blue threadlock compound. There's roughly a 1/16" gap behind the plate, so potential shear movement is limited. I considered bolting through the sides of the frame, but the rear bolt hole would intersect with the rear vertical bolt. The A-frame terminates before the front side hole, so I didn't make the spacer for full coupler's side length.

tphaggerty

So one thing not really addressed in this thread so far is how well the Demco coupler works compared to the original coupler. As with most people, we’ve had trouble hitching our 400 on occasion. If it was just me, I wouldn’t worry about it, but my wife has had some real issues getting the trailer uncoupled. Any feedback from those who have done this upgrade?

I like the idea of replacing the original coupler with the Demco for two reasons, first to get the easier coupling and second to extend the coupler an inch or two for that extra room to the tow vehicle.

rh5555

Could someone who has a Demco coupler make a measurement for me?  What is the distance from the center of the jack hole to the center of the ball?  It looks like it might be longer than with the original equipment (which would be nice).

sportcoupe

rh5555 said:

Could someone who has a Demco coupler make a measurement for me?  What is the distance from the center of the jack hole to the center of the ball?  It looks like it might be longer than with the original equipment (which would be nice).

It was in my first post. Not an actual measurement though. I included this picture showing the increased length. I can get an actual measurement after work today if needed. 

sportcoupe

tphaggerty said:

So one thing not really addressed in this thread so far is how well the Demco coupler works compared to the original coupler. As with most people, we’ve had trouble hitching our 400 on occasion. If it was just me, I wouldn’t worry about it, but my wife has had some real issues getting the trailer uncoupled. Any feedback from those who have done this upgrade?

I like the idea of replacing the original coupler with the Demco for two reasons, first to get the easier coupling and second to extend the coupler an inch or two for that extra room to the tow vehicle.

The Demco EZ-Latch is way better than the yoke style coupler that came with my Tab 320s. The yoke style is very sensitive to pressure on the ball before it will release. The Demco EZ-Latch doesn't care. No more backing up to center ball to disconnect. This video details each type. 

https://youtu.be/bpz3qZEnOQQ?si=NP1rtBaD1KvuE8ha

rh5555

@sportcoupe, a measurement would be much appreciated

sportcoupe

@rh5555 My new Demco is 12" from the center of the jack hole to the center of the ball.  The factory coupler was shorter, ~10.75"

rcarlson1957

sportcoupe Curious about your installation. I'm looking to do the same thing. I thought the a frame was a standard 50% like most trailers. Mine's not, it's around 30%. Looked at Demco's products and they only make 32% EZ Latch couplers with 2 5/16 balls. Is the at what you used or does your trailer have a 50% angle? 

CatDaddy

sportcoupe said:

The Demco EZ-Latch is way better than the yoke style coupler that came with my Tab 320s. The yoke style is very sensitive to pressure on the ball before it will release. The Demco EZ-Latch doesn't care. No more backing up to center ball to disconnect. This video details each type. 

Yes, exactly! The Atwood/Lippert coupler used on NuCamps is the fussiest coupler I’ve ever used. When towing with an EV, I have to drop the trailer to charge every ~100 miles. Fussing with that coupler every time I hookup or drop the trailer is awful. I’ve been thinking about an Ez-Latch swap too!