Coupler clamps

I think the method you described is the only sure fire way to confirm that the trailer ball is properly captured by the truck mounted hitch. While is has been a few years since I had a "pull behind" or "bumper pull" trailer, what you described is how I always confirmed that the trailer was properly hitched. I you want to get down and possibly dirty, you can look under the hitch to see if the ball has been completely captured by the movable part of the hitch.

That is one reason to have an electric trailer jack, makes the hitching process much easier.

Generally, if the latch is closed enough to install a safety pin or padlock in the mating holes, it's securely latched.

Kudos for being overly cautious. Hopefully, you stay that way.

As far as there being a positive 'clunk' when you're set I don't think there is one when the trailer is positively attached. I believe it's pretty much verified by sight. There's usually a lever that stands vertically on the yoke but that won't be able to snap horizontal unless the ball is properly in the socket. Other types have a big knob you tighten on the ball. That starts out all loosey goosey and tightens up as you turn clockwise. All it's doing is pushing a metal plate in place 'under' the bottom part of the ball so the trailer yoke can't pop out. Again, this action is no good if you don't observe that it's tightly cinched up. Eyeballing it is the first step.

So I think you're doing good by giving it a good visual check several times. Cranking it up to check for ball capture by lifting the tow vehicle is a great way to check too...if fact it's probably the most used method.

Dutch_12078 wrote:
Generally, if the latch is closed enough to install a safety pin or padlock in the mating holes, it's securely latched.

Exactly this!

Thanks everyone! Sounds like I was doing the right thing all along and didn't fully realize it.

DoberGirl50 wrote:
The best thing I knew to do was raise the receiver and ensure the truck raised with it. Does anyone have any other tricks or tips on confirming beyond the shadow of a doubt that the receiver is securely locked to the ball besides the method I described?

That works, but make the hitch ball "reach" for the coupler and it will latch properly every time, like this.

You know, FWIW, you can replace the flimsy "stock" coupler with a much better design, if you want. Take a look at Bulldog couplers.

Bulldog Trailer Couplers

One way to check is with your finger. After lowering on to ball, you should be able to feel the latch under the ball. The locking latch on the top of the receiver is a safety and yes some are flimsy. Some have small protrusions that fit in to the receiver. They bend and brake off over time and usage.
Yes, you are required in some states to install a pin or other device(lock) to prevent latch from popping up.

Dutch_12078 wrote:
Generally, if the latch is closed enough to install a safety pin or padlock in the mating holes, it's securely latched.

ScottG wrote:
Exactly this!

Disagree, as that's exactly what happened to me in our early popup days - lowered the coupler on the ball, thought the ball was correctly seated within the coupler, snapped the clasp shut, and put a lock through the hole. Pulled out of the driveway and was immediately shocked to learn the coupler was sitting atop the ball. :E In this case "generally" isn't good enough, you want to know that coupler is properly trapped. ;)

DoberGirl50 wrote:
The best thing I knew to do was raise the receiver and ensure the truck raised with it.

How I did it when I was towing a trailer..

Make sure you lift the truck high enough to KNOW the thing is on not just relaxing the rear springs