Fulton Fold-Away Hinge Kit Recommendation for a Trailer Carrying a 1800 lb Pontoon Boat

Updated 06/07/2011 | Published 06/03/2011

Question:

Why is the hinge length limited to 34 I need to cut more than that of my trailer tongue. It is a for a pontoon boat that only weighs about 1800 pounds

asked by: Paul D

Expert Reply:

There are a couple factors you need to consider when determining what the maximum pivot length you could use on your trailer. You will need to consider the gross vehicle weight of your trailer as well as the maximum tongue weight that the trailer will see.

The reason you will need to consider these factors is because the more of the tongue that is beyond the folded portion of the Fulton Fold-Away Hinge Kit the more leverage the weight of the trailer will have on the hinge and the easier it would be to fail.

I would recommend you get a Fulton Fold-Away Hinge Kit # FHDPB350101, considering how light your trailer is you would be able to use the maximum pivot length of 48 inches that this kit has to offer.

I attached a picture of a chart that shows a guideline for maximum pivot length for a trailer tongue based on tongue weight and total trailer weight.

expert reply by: Jameson C