Any info is appreciated!
Looks like a trailer with surge brakes.
To hitch it up, lower it onto the ball and kick the hitch closed. That collar should spring forward to capture it.
To turn the brakes on, move the lever to its rearward position (like it is now). If it isn't binding, the trailer will press on its own brakes thanks to the master cylinder built into that tongue. If that lever gets pulled when the trailer falls off, it jams the brakes on.
There's probably a way to lock the tongue slide in case you need to back up a steep hill, but I can't tell where it is from the photo.
TL;DR: Weld that solid and convert to electric brakes at the first sign of trouble.
In reply to Tom Suddard :
Thanks!
I'm having a hard time understanding what keeps the hitch from just coming off the top of the ball. I see the collar. However, from my perspective it just seems that it covers the top, but doesn't lock the bottom edge of the hitch to the ball.
Similar to...
More samples including video here
In your photo, the sleeve is in the open position. With it open, the sleeve is likely hiding the hole where the safety hitch-pin would go to assure that it remains closed.
Oh, I see now!
Thank you all!
I couldn't figure out how to Google it see how it works. Now, after watching that video, I totally get it and the picture makes sense.
Thanks again!
that's a sleeve lock and yur missin the lock lever whodatthouhtit(duh) ..in the meantime pull the collar over the ball..... lock in place with twin hose clamps .....or perhaps an exhaust clamp until you can address this in a more appropriate manner (minor welding req'd) YMMV
Bulldog hitch. I use one on my 4x4 trailer with my Raider. It's kid of a pain to get on and off but it's beefier than a standard hitch and has no latch. Also gives more articulation offroad.
In reply to wvumtnbkr :
FWIW I'd never seen one of these hitches my whole life living in the midwest, but they seem to the most common type here in the south.
As mentioned, the hitch has a vertical pivot pin at the very front that allows one side to swing out just enough to drop over the hitch ball. The collar is under spring tension, so when you close the hitch it will snap forward securing it. There's also a hole for a locking pin to provide a bit of redundancy.
I love that style of hitch... until it gets rusty/pitted. Really easy to hitch and super strong.
Once it gets sticky, please use gloves. Pinchy potential is high.
There should be a lockout pin also so brakes aren't locked when backing up.
Be careful with it until you understand how it works. Curtis is spot on. Those things can bite you, the collar is spring loaded so you have to watch your hands when you push in the clamp.
As others have said they're a good quality hitch with a high potential for pinching when they get a little recalcitrant. With some practice you can learn where and when to give them a strategic whack with whatever's handy at the time.
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