Installing Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit on 1/4 Inch Thick Trailer Tongue

Updated 10/25/2017 | Published 10/24/2017

Question:

My trailer tongue is 3x3x 0.25 thick steel. Gross weight about 4000 lbs. The description says, Trailer tongue material thickness must be between.188inch and.120 Is the thickness an issue if I use longer bolts to attach the folding tongue? Thanks!

asked by: Chuck

Expert Reply:

The Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit # FHDPB330301 referenced in your question does limit the trailer tongue thickness to between .188 and .120 inches for it to be compatible. This is simply because the Torx bolts that are included in the kit are a certain length and the nuts may not catch the threads when installing the kit onto a thicker tongue. We have checked with Fulton and they stated that you can replace the fasteners with a grade 5 fastener if you choose to use it on a 1/4 inch thick tongue like what you have on your trailer.

If you decide to go this route, I do recommend waiting to purchase replacement fasteners, as it's still possible longer hardware will not be needed.

Another possible option is to go with the Weld-On Model of the Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit with part # FHDPW330300. This is designed to also fit your 3 inch x 3 inch trailer tongue but you will not need the fasteners because of the weld-on application.

I have attached a couple short video demonstrations on these products as well as the installation instructions that you can take a look at.

expert reply by: Chris R