Recommended Replacement For A Dutton-Lainson Trailer Coupler 980-2

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Question:

I need a replacement tongue for my trailer. I currently have a Dutton-Lainson 980-2 that came with the trailer. It just isnt easy. I have had a lot of trailers and for some reason this one sticks a lot. What is a good replacement? I can send photos too

asked by: Mike P

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Mike,

The Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler # DM15000-52 that you were looking at is exactly what I was going to recommend when you said you want an easy hookup. The Demco eZ-Latch will let you couple up to the trailer without having to lift the latch. When it's time to drop the trailer off just lift the latch up and it will release the ball. The closest two mounting holes to the latch side of the coupler are spaced 3" apart just like the DL 980-2.

To prevent anyone from taking off with your trailer you'll want a coupler lock like the etrailer # e98887.

expert reply by: Kevin C

0

Brooke M.

2/17/2026

Hey Mike, how did the new Demco eZ-Latch coupler work out on your trailer? That latch design should make hooking up a lot smoother. Your feedback could help others looking for an easier replacement option.

Answer 1

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 2

Hi Dan; those couplers are no longer around so we do not have a direct replacement. What you can do is pick up a piece of stock steel to extend the tongue and add a Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge. Then you can add an actuator like the #DM72VR or…

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Answer 3

Hello James, thanks for reaching out. Both the kits you mentioned, the Hydrastar #HYD22FR and #HYD42FR are complete conversion kits for standard 3,500 lb axles. The difference is the calipers included with each kit. The #HYD22FR has stainless steel…

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Answer 4

Hey Donna, yes the Replacement Grease Cap for Dexter/Tie Down Engineering Vortex Trailer Hubs #DE69NR that you referenced does work as a replacement for your Dexter 21-261 cap. How do you like the Vortex trailer hubs?

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Answer 5

Hey Jon, yes you sure can! And it's not too difficult either. If your vehicle already has a 4 way flat on the back, you can just install the #ETBC7 which converts it to a 7 way to be used with trailers that have electric brakes. Basically the 4…

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Answer 6

Hey Bruce, I would go with Grade 8 bolts to install the Demco Straight Tongue Coupler part #DM15000-52. Stainless would be a great choice too but that's not an absolute requirement.

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Answer 7

Welcome back Gary. To replace a 2" coupler that fits a 2" wide trailer tongue our options are limited to the Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler item #CT-3001-Z. It's got the standard trigger latch. There's not many options for couplers…

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Recommended Replacement For A Dutton-Lainson Trailer Coupler 980-2

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