Can an A-Frame Coupler be Removed and a Flat Plate or Channel Coupler Installed in its Place

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Question:

HI, I HAVE A HYPERLITE 27 HFS CAMPER THAT IS ABOUT 8000 POUNDS LOADED . IT HAS AN A-FRAME COUPLER ON IT , AND ITS ABOUT 6 INCHES TO LONG FOR MY OUTBUILDING , LOL ... SO I WAS LOOKING AT CUTTING IT SHORT ENOUGH AND WELDING A 1 INCH THICK PLATE ON THE END OF THE SQUARE TUBING FRAMES TO USE A DEMCO BOLT ON FLAT PLATE MOUNT COUPLER . HAVE YOU ANY IDEAS ABOUT THIS ? IM A TOOL MAKER , AND WELDER SO I REALIZE I NEED A GREAT WIRE WELD JOB DONE ON THIS .

asked by: JEFF Z

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Your plan could definitely work but what I would do is weld on a channel, such as # DM59601, and using a coupler such as # DM12688-95 for a 2 inch ball or # DM07678-95 for a 2-5/16 inch ball. And of course, some hardware, # PS024202, to mount the coupler to the channel. This type of set up was designed to take off/move the coupler more so than a flat mount.

Like you said there is a lot of welding that will need to be done especially to reach the capacity needed. It sounds like you have the skills but if you have any doubt at all it would be a good idea to source out the labor to a master welder. The trailer manufacturer also would probably not like this modification too much so any warranty on the trailer would be void!

After you have completed the installation I would also have the trailer inspected to further ensure that the modifications are safe and ready for the road.

expert reply by: Jesse M

1

Answer 1

The Demco Trailer Coupler w/ 5-Position Adjustable Channel part #DM612466-81 is designed to be welded directly to the trailer as you know. With the different type of applications this is intended to fit they do not provide gussets or other…

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Answer 2

I took a look at the Buyers Products 3 Position Channel and 5 Position Channel Bolt and Nut Kit #337B9020 that you mention, and this bolt is made from grade 8 steel, and has a shoulder length of 3-1/2", and an overall length of 4-1/2". I…

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Answer 3

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 4

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 5

First you will need to remove the old hydraulic equipment. Remove the surge coupler or actuator, remove all the lines, and finally remove the brake assemblies. If you have 10 inch diameter hub and drums, you may need to replace those as well. If you…

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Answer 6

Hey James, you can go with a 4k axle leaf spring like the part #e22YR in place of what you have now while it has a slightly higher weight capacity it's not enough that it would create a harsh ride quality. This is a 26 inch long spring though so…

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Answer 7

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 8

Hey Thomas, the most important factors for picking out a replacement leaf spring for a trailer are matching axle capacity and length. Getting the same amount of leaves in the spring pack is actually not a huge priority so I wouldn't worry too…

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Can an A-Frame Coupler be Removed and a Flat Plate or Channel Coupler Installed in its Place

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