Can Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit be Used to Extend Short Trailer Coupler

Updated 06/19/2020 | Published 06/07/2018

Question:

Hello, and thank you for all the great advice over the years. My boat trailer has a fairly short tongue, and coupled with the shallow slope of the ramps around here I sometimes need to get even my *front* tire wet before the boat will come off the trailer bunk style trailer with the bunks set as low as they will go. Can I use a fold away hinge kit to extend the tongue, so long as I respect the weight and pivot length specs? Thank you!

asked by: Chris

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit # FHDPB330301 referenced in your question can indeed be used to extend the short tongue on your boat trailer, as long as you follow the tongue and gross trailer weight ratings based on your pivot length (like you mentioned). Doing this may very well reduce your trailer's current capacity, but as long as you remain under the reduced limit, you can do this without issue.

This particular kit is designed for 3 inch x 3 inch trailer tongues. You will need to supply your own 3 inch x 3 inch pipe, then remove your existing coupler. After installing the Hinge Kit in place of it, you will just need to attach the coupler to the 3 inch x 3 inch square pipe and then install the piece with the coupler to the open end of the Hinge Kit.

I have attached an installation video that you can use for reference, along with the trailer weight/pivot length chart that you can take a look at.

expert reply by: Chris R

click to enlarge

Jeff Z.

6/15/2020

Is this coupler hung strong enough to mount on an off-road/overlanding trailer? The trailer will have a max weight of 2000 lbs but be subject to some light to medium offroading. Not the Rubicon Trail