Solution for Attach Coupler to A-Frame that Would Need to Be Extended 1977 Apache Roamer

Updated 02/18/2020 | Published 02/17/2020

Question:

I have a 1977 Apache Roamer pop up camper. It originally came with the surge brake setup, which no longer works and Im looking to convert to electric brakes anyways. Im wanting to replace the tongue jack with something different, but in order to do so I I have to change the coupler, as the Apaches use their own jack bolt pattern in which nothing else fits. Since Im converting to electric brakes, I dont care about saving the surge brake setup on the tongue. Problem is, while the frame rails are the standard 50 degree angle, theyre spaced wider apart due to the surge brake setup being right in the middle of the rails. So the coupling plate is much wider than anything I seem to be finding as a replacement. Do you know of any other replacement options for something that would fit this wider tongue other than extending the rails out further?

asked by: Jared P

Expert Reply:

Only solution will be to extend out the frame rails of your trailer so that you can install a standard coupler on to them. None of the options out there are going to be large enough to fit your frame channels that basically start too far apart.

What I'd do (if you can) is go with the Demco coupler # DM14793-81 that you referenced and have a fabricator come out and have him decide the best way to extend out your frame to install this. This is one of the larger couplers so it wouldn't require quite as much material welded to the front of the trailer.

expert reply by: Jameson C