Sometimes close is enough, but not typically when trying to hook up to a trailer hitch. Mumby Manufacturing’s Easy Guide trailer coupler solves the issue by allowing drivers a four- to six-inch diameter area of wiggle room.

The Easy Guide coupler was named Best New Invention of 2009 at the Western Canada Farm Progress Show.

Jerome Pratchler of Mumby Manufacturing was surprised but delighted to win best new invention at 2009’s Farm Progress Show for his company’s Easy Guide trailer coupler. (Lyndsey Smith photo)

Jerome Pratchler of Mumby Manufacturing, based at Muenster, Sask., about two hours east of Saskatoon, explains the hitch attachment is a simple invention that saves a lot of headaches and guesswork at positioning.

“The coupler eliminates the need to be right over the ball hitch when hitching up bumper pull trailers,” he says.

Drivers simply back under the Easy Guide coupler, within the given radius of the hitch, lower the jack and drive forward and the ball slides and secures into place. Once locked, drivers just need to jump out and put in a safety pin before driving away. Designed with no moving parts, the coupler has no features to wear out, pinch or jam.

The Easy Guide coupler is available in medium- and large-duty, rated for 8,000 lbs. and up to 15,000 lbs. respectively. Medium-duty hitches will be available by fall; heavy-duty models will be available by early 2010.