Can CE Smith Boat Trailer # CE48810 Be Adapted With a Folding Coupler to Simplify Storage in Garage

Updated 10/08/2013 | Published 10/06/2013

Question:

Is there an easy way to flip on side and make long pole part of trailer removable? Basically I want to minimize the footprint on floor of garage. I suspend the canoe from the ceiling.

asked by: Jimbo

Helpful Expert Reply:

We offer hinged trailer couplers such as the Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit for 2 x 3-Inch Trailer Tongues, part # FHDPB230101. This particular folding coupler fits 2 x 3-inch steel trailer tongues such as the tongue on the CE Smith Trailer. My contact at CE Smith confirmed that cutting the trailer tongue to install a hinged coupler is perfectly acceptable.

This Fulton coupler is rated for 5000-lbs so it is more than adequate for the task on the CE Smith trailer that carries your canoe. Placement of the coupler on the trailer tongue (and therefore how much length can be folded) depends on the gross trailer weight. In the case of the CE Smith trailer with its 800-lb rating, you could place the hinged coupler as far rear toward the Y of the frame as you choose.

The Fulton coupler installs with included hardware and comes with both a pivot bolt and a pin and clip. It can be mounted so that the front coupler portion of the trailer can fold either to the left or to the right, as you prefer. I have linked a product review video of this part for reference.

expert reply by: Adam R