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Post Info TOPIC: Couplemate modification.


Guru

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Couplemate modification.


Most will be familiar with the so called marriage saver...the Couplemate.   Well I guess it does make hooking up the van a bit more stress free but a problem is that the adaptor plate that attaches to the towbar tongue can allow the towball nut to loosen when a hockey stick or similar WDH is used. This seems to be due to the dimples pressed into the adaptor plate. I've used a 6ft length of pipe on the nut but the action of the WDH bars eventually causes the nut to loosen. Also drilled through the lot and inserted a 3/8" stud but that sheared as well.

Finally fixed it by welding 2 lengths of 1/2 thick square steel bar to the back of the Couplemate which then slip into and bottoms on the WDH head - now I can do without the adaptor and now the towball nut does not loosen.

Pics tell it better than I can explain.

Good Luck.

Denis



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Denis

Ex balloon chaser and mercury measurer.

Toowoomba.



Senior Member

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Posts: 261
Date:

We have one of those, Barry paid $1 for it on EBay a few years ago. Solid as a rock. I am the one that reverses the car up to the van and it is certainly a "marriage saver". Ours just lifts off and goes in the back of the tug until next time.

Good work Denis.

Pam

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Guru

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Geez Pam, I got ripped off - mine cost $5 at the markets and was in the original box unused with the receipt for $95. I guess it didn't save that marriage.

Regards

Denis

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Denis

Ex balloon chaser and mercury measurer.

Toowoomba.



Guru

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Date:

I now use a camera, if I get it wrong then can only blame myself. Also Mrs used to use a two way radio, works well.

JC.



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Be your self; there's no body better qualified !                    "I came into this world with nothing , I still have most of it"

 

JC.

 


 

                                             

                

    

                          



Guru

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Posts: 1880
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That's a good mod will give it a good

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Pets are welcome but children must be leashed at all times



Senior Member

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Posts: 439
Date:

I like it !
Using a camera but I tend to be a "Belt & Braces" kinda guy.
May just make up one myself.
Cheers

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Newbie

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Posts: 3
Date:

I have also done a Couplemate modification. Because the newer Hayman Reese WDH won't allow the "Marriage Saver" to seat properly without a special spacer, I quickly constructed a hard wood addition for the back of the Couplemate. I had to cut the steel insert to 50mm for this....simple with angle grinder and then made a "T" section of the hard wood and attached with screws and nuts. (As it's happy hour....not sure what sense I'm making) Anyway here are some photos of the thing.



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Senior Member

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Posts: 167
Date:

Gooday,

 I have used a Couplemate for some 10 years have not had the problem with the mounting plate under the ball coming loose, though I have a decent piece of RHS that I put over the ring spanner that fits the ball nut and has not moved.

Have been using a Hitch Up Mirror for 10 years or so in conjunction with the Couple Mate, it is a 1 person job at any time, I know many have a reversing camera but that is only on later model vehicles, at least my Hitch Up Mirror does not break down.



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Cheers,

Bliss On Wheels

 

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