Dutchman Trailer Ball Release Handle

Raybro

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

dragonsdofly

@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.

irvingj

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

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

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:

irvingj

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

That is exactly what we are looking for.  Anyone have any ideas where we could purchase on.  

Raybro

PS to Mutton Chops.  The literature brochure you posted is exactly our trailer- Orange Crush.

irvingj

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

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

@mash2, looks like the needed item. Thanks. We have so many experts and resources here. A thank you to everyone. 

Raybro

Thank you everyone for your help. We are going to be ordering it. 

Geo

@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. . .

Sharon_is_SAM

@irvingj and @Geo since the original lock appears faulty, what tongue lock did you/do you use?

irvingj

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

@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 ! ! !

Sharon_is_SAM

Only a deterrent, as they say.

HunterTAB

nevermind!

Sharon_is_SAM

2 inch

Me_and_My_Dog

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 —