Abstract: A ball hitch coupler includes a body having a socket therein, the socket sized for receiving a ball on a ball hitch. The body includes an opening through an upper surface of the body into the socket. A latch release is pivotably mounted on the upper surface of the body, and may include a drain hole or trough forming a catch for tips of the latch release when in the open position. A latch rod extends through the opening through the upper surface of the body and connected at a first end that is external to the body to the latch release. A latch is secured to a second end of the latch rod inside the socket, the latch including a tab projecting from a rear surface of the latch and received by a slot within the body to guide movement of the latch.