Replacing Surge Coupler with Standard Coupler on Boat Trailer

Updated 05/17/2022 | Published 05/16/2022

Question:

Hi - i am replacing a coupler that had brakesthat havent worked in a while i do not tow the boat oftentypically 2 times a year from storage to my lake so would like to get a straight coupler without brakes as i dont really need them. the trailer has a 3 inch beam with 2 holes about 3/4 down. the weight of my boat is approximately 3000 pounds. i was looking at your fulton 5000 lb and 6000 lb couplers. Can you let me know if you think those would work.

asked by: Tom W

Expert Reply:

Actually, if the latching portion of the coupler still works correctly, you can simply engage the manual lockout lever on your coupler which will prevent the coupler from compressing and trying to apply the brakes, allowing you to continue using your existing coupler.

If you really want to replace the existing surge coupler, the Fulton # F346000301 would fit your 3 inch wide trailer tongue. The mounting holes are 3 inches apart on center, if that doesn't match the existing holes in your trailer tongue, you'll need to drill new ones.

expert reply by: Mike L