Dutchman Trailer Ball Release Handle

Raybro
Raybro Posts: 11
edited June 2022 in Trailer & Towing
We bought a 2007 Tab made by Dutchman.  This model came with surge brakes.  The ball release handle looks like it was lock that fits into a slot in the hitch. We have no idea what it looks like or will fit it.  Can anyone help us with this.  Thanks

Comments

  • dragonsdofly
    dragonsdofly Posts: 1,928
    @Raybro, sorry to meet you under these circumstances, but welcome to the forum. The yahoo t@b group has a lot of Dutchman t@b owners, and they might help. You can check amazon for the part. Elsie @ NuCamp may also be able to help you. You can find her number to the left of the screen in contacts category. And I yield to our many experts with more knowlege and information than I possess. Good luck in your search, and let us know when you resolve this. Keep in touch.
    2017 t@b sofitel(Dr@gonsFly)TV 2015 Silverado 2500hd(Behemoth). Wyandotte, Michigan.
    Draco dormiens numquam titilandus.
  • irvingj
    irvingj Posts: 335
    Before we sold it, we had one for 6 years or so. I don't understand the question, but I might be able to help....
  • Raybro
    Raybro Posts: 11
  • Raybro
    Raybro Posts: 11
    Here is an image of my trailer.
    Below the handle there is a sleeve sticking out of the housing, that has a slot in it that looks like a keyway. Is there a lock cylinder that fits into the sleeve and locks the stop the handle from being lifted to release the ball? There is presently nothing to prevent the handle from being lifted. We purchased the trailer used and the dealer is no help.
  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Posts: 2,051
    While I have no direct knowledge of Dutchman built units a web-search found a couple of PDF flyers that might be of interest to you.  One of which notes a LOCK at the location you are asking about.



    Two files:

    '18 320 S, pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based

    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures: 59 Nights: 411 Towing Miles 50,350

  • irvingj
    irvingj Posts: 335
    Well, Raybro, there you go. We bought ours used as well, and it did not come with such a lock. I hadn't ever seen the info MuttonChops posted.

    It did, however, come with a chrome ball-type lock tat you can see protruding in my photo. We used that. (It had a large protrusion that was released with the key and pushed out against the outside of the ball's socket; once in position & locked, it could not be removed.)
  • Raybro
    Raybro Posts: 11
    That is exactly what we are looking for.  Anyone have any ideas where we could purchase on.  
  • Raybro
    Raybro Posts: 11
    PS to Mutton Chops.  The literature brochure you posted is exactly our trailer- Orange Crush.
  • irvingj
    irvingj Posts: 335
    edited April 2018
    I don't remember the brand name, but it certainly appears identical to this one from Northern Tool, made by Master:

    https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200172024_200172024?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Trailers + Towing > Towing Locks + Hitch Pins&utm_campaign=Master Lock&utm_content=178542&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_7XFnIvP2gIVSSSGCh0oXQ7uEAYYAyABEgKrv_D_BwE
  • mash2
    mash2 Posts: 584
    They are available on Ebay.  See for instance -- the photo in this one is the same as I purchased (I purchased a couple ..... they do seem to disappear easily.  This is sent from England (where mine came from).  

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Alko-AK7-AKS-Erde-Security-Hitch-Replacement-Trailer-Brass-Insert-Lock-Keys/371312487960?epid=1788763311&hash=item5673f2ee18:g:RfwAAOxyaTxRQQo9

    I have an '06 and it worked fine.  Hope this helps.....
  • dragonsdofly
    dragonsdofly Posts: 1,928
    @mash2, looks like the needed item. Thanks. We have so many experts and resources here. A thank you to everyone. 
    2017 t@b sofitel(Dr@gonsFly)TV 2015 Silverado 2500hd(Behemoth). Wyandotte, Michigan.
    Draco dormiens numquam titilandus.
  • Raybro
    Raybro Posts: 11
    Thank you everyone for your help. We are going to be ordering it. 
  • Geo
    Geo Posts: 160
    @Raybro , The general consensus some years ago with this lock @mash2 posted is that it is too flimsy and easily bent. Once bent it is almost impossible to remove, rendering your trailer either unable to hitch up or unhitch.  The advise posted on the Yahoo site by several owners was to not use this lock.
    Just passing on old info. . .
    Geo & Liz
    T@BMahal
    '04  #100
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Posts: 10,035
    @irvingj and @Geo since the original lock appears faulty, what tongue lock did you/do you use?
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • irvingj
    irvingj Posts: 335
    We used the one in the link above (or one just like it). "Universal Ball Hitch Lock"

    I thought it worked well; seemed it would be tough to easily defeat.
  • Geo
    Geo Posts: 160
    @SAM,  I have a 'Master Lock' coupler lock similar to what @irvingj posted.
    There are some threads here about coupler locks and I remember a video about how easily some models are defeated ! ! !
    Geo & Liz
    T@BMahal
    '04  #100
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Posts: 10,035
    Only a deterrent, as they say.
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • HunterTAB
    HunterTAB Posts: 6
    edited April 2018
    nevermind!

  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Posts: 10,035
    2 inch
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • Me_and_My_Dog
    Me_and_My_Dog Posts: 184
    edited April 2018
    I bought my little Al-Ko brass hitch lock for my 2007 T@B from nuCamp last year for $27. You might look into buying an e-book by T@B enthusiast Richard Lewis, which is mostly about DM T@Bs. He discusses this lock and gives pros and cons on using it. Mine has worked fine, but others have had trouble. https://www.amazon.com/101-Questions-About-Camping-Trailers-ebook/dp/B012OUSO74 — 
    Katt and Miss Cannoli the Zen Dog
    2008 DM T@DA — Towed by 2014 Dodge Durango — Full time since 6/29/17
    "Travels With The Tiny"

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