Can Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler Be Added To Aluminum Frame Trailer?
Updated 10/30/2025 | Published 10/12/2025
Question:
My Legend all aluminum trailer has a different coupler with 2 mounting bolts through the sides of the 3” box frame but also has a single bolt through the top which no other coupler seem to have. Will it weaken the trailer frame if new holes were drilled to accommodate this or any other coupler? Thanks.
asked by: Del
(click to enlarge)
Expert Reply:
Hey Del, thanks for reaching out. I don't recall ever seeing that before, a coupler with a bolt going through the top like that. I suppose it doesn't hurt, but it definitely isn't necessary. Typically, two bolts, or at the most three bolts through the side of the coupler are sufficient for securing it. Obviously you want to drill into the frame as little as possible, so ideally you would use one of the existing holes and only have to drill one more. Then use 1/2" grade 5 (or higher) bolts. With only one new hole I would not be worried about weakening the frame. You would want to avoid having two holes too close together.
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Silver - 2-5/16" Ball - 3" Channel - Bolt On - 21K
- Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler
- Standard Coupler
- 2-5/16 Inch Ball Coupler
- Bolt-On
- 21000 lbs GTW
- 3 Inch Channel
- Auto Latch
- 4-Bolt
- Marine Grade
- Demco
more information >
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer tongue lock
- Search Results: trailer hitch lock
- Search Results: 5/16 locking pin
- Video: Review of Demco Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler - Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - DM16080-95
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: trailer tongue
- Search Results: demco straight tongue trailer coupler
- Shop: Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Silver - 2-5/16" Ball - 3" Channel - Bolt On - 21K
- Video: Review of Demco 2 Bolt Channel Mount Coupler Hardware Kit - DM68UV
- Shop: Demco 2-Bolt Channel Mount Coupler Hardware Kit
- Shop: Master Lock Adjustable Trailer Coupler Lock - Stainless Steel
- Article: How Does a Trailer Hitch Coupler Work?
- Shop: Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 3" Channel - Bolt On - 21K
- Video: Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler: The Breakdown
- Video: A Closer Look at the Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler
- Shop: Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Silver - 2-5/16" Ball - 3" Channel - Bolt On - 18K
- Shop: Opti-Brite LED Interior Strip Light - Weatherproof - 342 Lumens - Clear Lens - 16" Long
- Shop: Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 3" Channel - Bolt On - 21K
- Search Results: hitch balls
- Q&A: Install Hardware/Bolt Kit Recommendation for Demco Coupler # DM15931-52
- Q&A: What Hardware Should I Use For The Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler DM15945
- Q&A: Comparing Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Couplers # DM16080-95 & # DM15931-95
- Q&A: Bolt Size Recommended For Channel Style Tongue Trailer Coupler Installation
- Video: All About the Demco Trailer Coupler
- Video: Review of the Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler
- Video: A Closer Look at the Weigh Safe Ball Mount with Built-In Scale
- Q&A: Bolt Hole Spacing of Demco DM16080-52 and Titan T4853100 21K Trailer Couplers
- Q&A: Should I Replace the Dexter Zinc-Plated Straight-Tongue Coupler item T4853100?
- Q&A: Is Titan Zinc-Plated Straight-Tongue Coupler SAE Certified
Jesse M.
10/30/2025
Hey Del, how did things go with the new coupler on your Legend trailer? Did using just one new hole give you a solid fit without affecting the frame strength? Your results could really help others working with a similar setup.