Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Option For A 2 x 4 Trailer Tongue

Published 09/27/2023

Question:

I have a 2 x4” tongue and I want to use the swing away kit.. I noticed that you recommended using a 3x5” .. Why wouldn’t you use a 3x4” and have to modify only the 3” side to accommodate swing away tongue? If I have to grind down zinc and weld a side, I can at least use 2 of the bolt holes .. or have more edges in contact to weld?? I would likely weld 3 sides and shim out the other with a 1” plate steel to take up the width..

asked by: Roland T

Expert Reply:

I agree with your thoughts on using a 3" x 4" Coupler Hinge # FHDPB340301 instead as well. You could just get some half inch steel plates and increase the width of the tongue enough to accommodate the coupler hinge. If you run a bolt through the middle on both sides of the coupler hinge as well then you can lock the steel plates into place without having to weld. You'd just have to snake your brake line (if you have surge brakes) around the bolts.

expert reply by: Kevin C