How Much Does Using Fulton Fold-Away Hinge Affect Trailer Tongue Weight

Published 08/19/2024

Question:

I’m interested in this folding kit to extend my tongue up to 30”. It’s currently 5’ but I’m trying to make room for a bike rack and also hopefully smooth out the ride over bumps. My trailer is 8’ long so having a 7.5’ long tongue sounds kinda ridiculous but it gives me the maximum amount of options… and I can always reduce length after everything is said and done. I took a look at this folding kits weight limits chart and a full 30” still keeps me well below the tongue weight limit and trailer weight limit. My question is how much does extending the leverage affect the weight on the connection of the tongue to the trailer? If I remember physics correctly the longer the tongue the greater the force on the tongue attachment point. I have a fully galvanized steel frame. Should this be a concern? Also, besides looking ridiculous, are there any other considerations for having an extremely long tongue?

asked by: Bryan

Trailer For Use With Fulton Fold-Away Hinge
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Bryan,

I can definitely understand your concern, though your trailer frame won't be damaged or otherwise put under undue stress by adding the Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit for 2" x 3" Trailer Tongue # FHDPB230101.

That's assuming, of course, that you are within the Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) guidelines of the # FHDPB230101. Your physics memory is spot on, as the further back the more force, though that's the reason for the GTWR based on pivot length. And personally, I want a nice cushion when it comes to ratings, particularly for towing. So for example, if I had, let's say, a 3,600 lb GTWR I could technically do a 33" max pivot length, but would only do 30".

Then for the question about your galvanized steel frame, that's not a concern at all; in fact the the hinge is only for steel tongues (which attach to steel frames) and it being galvanized isn't an issue. As for other issues, there aren't any that stand out, and honestly I don't think it'll look ridiculous. I've seen truck bed campers people have made out of plywood so a long trailer tongue probably won't move the needle too much.

expert reply by: Kyle S