Yes, you can absolutely drill holes in your trailer tongue to install the 10,000 lb capacity Buyers Products Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler # 3370091560.
This is a pretty common occurrence due to the various bolt hole patterns of straight tongue trailer couplers so you can absolutely do this safely.
This is a really good choice for a coupler as it has a latch that engages automatically and it's made from steel with a zinc finish for not only strength but durability as well. I have added... view full answer...
Yes, most trailer tongues are boxed so you'd simply use one bolt through both sides of the frame to install a coupler like the Buyers Products Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler part # 3370091560. In this case you would use three bolts, grade five. They'd need to be long enough to go through both sides of the frame, the coupler, and the nut so likely around 4". view full answer...
The Bulldog Collar-Lok Coupler, # BD028243, is designed for weld-on applications and should not be bolted on because it was not designed to be installed this way. Doing so will void the warranty and can even compromise the structural integrity of the coupler.
I have included a link to all of the straight-tongue bolt-on couplers that we carry. view full answer...
The minimum length of 3 inch wide channel tongue needed to mount the Buyers Products Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler # 3370091562 is roughly 6 inches. The reason for this is the coupler's bolt hole spacing, as all three bolt holes do need to be used to maintain the coupler's 15,000 lb capacity.
I have added a link to a video review of this coupler for you to check out. view full answer...
There actually isn't any difference in strength for a straight tongue coupler, no matter if it is bolted on or welded on. Most couplers are designed to be one or the other, and their capacity won't change - and the security to your trailer - will be the same regardless of the installation method.
For example, the weld-on Bulldog Collar-Lok Coupler - 2" Ball - 3" Channel Tongue # BD028244 and bolt-on Fulton Fas-Lok Coupler, 2" Ball, 3" Channel # F343000301 both have a 5,000 lb capacity... view full answer...
It's not uncommon to have to drill new holes on a trailer tongue to install a new coupler as most couplers have unique bolt hole spacings. That said there isn't an exact dimension I can give you on what you are asking for. Moving the coupler forward on the trailer frame would be what you'd need to do to install new holes. As long as both holes are being utilized and at least an inch away from the old holes (roughly) you'll be fine. You'll have to use your best judgment. view full answer...
You would want to just cut straight across when you install the Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit # FHDPB330301. You could cut the coupler at the same angle as the hinge if you really wanted to, but it is not required. view full answer...
I did confirm with Titan that with this high of a capacity of coupler, the Titan Zinc-Plated Straight-Tongue Coupler # T4853100 will definitely require the use of all 5 bolts. They see commonly where holes are drilled to allow for all 5 bolts to be installed if need be.
That being said the Buyers Products Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler # 3370091562 is also a suitable replacement designed to use 3 bolts and provides sufficient capacity for your trailer.
I have included videos for both... view full answer...
The Buyers Products Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler part # 3370091562 just uses simple nuts and bolts for installation. The hardware does not come with so you'll need to take a trip to your local hardware store for these fasteners but most local ones like Ace Hardware, Fastnal, etc. should have what you need.
In this case you would use three bolts, grade five. They'd need to be long enough to go through both sides of the frame, the coupler, and the nut so likely around 4". view full answer...
The Titan Straight-Tongue Coupler, part # T4853100, is designed for a 2-5/16 inch ball and a 3 inch wide trailer tongue. It has a weight capacity of 21,000 lbs.
I spoke with my contact at Titan and he said that the coupler was tested with all five bolts installed. He also recommended to use grade 8 bolts. He said if you are going to be using this trailer coupler on any trailer of significant weight that he would strongly recommend to use all five bolts. The small investment in using all... view full answer...
Thanks for the pictures. Torque specs on couplers, like the Fulton Fas-Lok Coupler item # F346000301, are changed all the time by the manufacturers. It doesn't look like you damaged the coupler by torqueing it to 55 lbs. I recommend keeping the bolts at 55 lbs and not trying to go back to 35 lbs. view full answer...
Buyers Products Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler # 3370091562 should be installed with bolts through all three holes in the channel mount so that it can meet its published weight specs. Two of the holes are spaced at 3-inches on center; the third is spaced at 2-inches. Each of the mounting holes measures 0.562-inch diameter. view full answer...
When installing the Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit, # FHDPB330301, you will just cut the tongue straight across. You can cut it at an angle if you really wanted to but it is not required. because of subtle tolerances it would be best to use the hinge kit as a template to get the best angle so you would want to wait until you have it to do so.
Make sure to get the right pivot length for your trailer tongue weight and gross trailer weight. I have included a picture that should help. view full answer...
The tongue weight of your trailer or weight on the rear axle will not change substantially when using the B&W Extend-A-Goose Gooseneck Coupler part # BWTEXA4200. The only way that your tongue weight would change is if the weight of the new coupler (55 lbs) was more than that of the old coupler you replaced it with. I confirmed this with my contact at B&W. view full answer...
I would try using a carbide blade with your Sawzall for cutting your steel trailer tongue. If you don't already have one then you should be able to acquire one at your local home improvement store.
To ensure your cut is straight you will want to use a square and mark the top of your tongue as well as the sides. This is highlighted in the linked installation instructions for the Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit # FHDPB330301 that you referenced. view full answer...
As the Buyers Products Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler # 3370091560 has 3 holes per side on the part that will bolt to the tongue of the trailer, you will want to use 3 bolts per side, so 6 total. This is kind of a standard, so when there are 2 holes you go 2 per side, and 3 holes, you go 3 per side. The mounting holes are 1/2" and you will want to make sure you are using at least grade 5 bolts. This will give you plenty of strength. view full answer...
You will want to put the trailer jack between the Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit # FHDPW330300 that you referenced and the frame of the trailer. If you had the jack on the side of the hinge that pivots it would make it unstable and difficult to pivot the tongue of the coupler.
Not only would it make things much more difficult, but the hinge is designed to only support weight when it is locked out straight as both sides of hinge will have support to carry the weight. When the hinge... view full answer...
For your trailer that has the tongue weight of 500 lbs the Reese StraitLine part # RP66083 would be the best choice. The A,B,C coupler style will be determined by you looking at the coupler you have on the trailer. I attached a picture that shows the illustration. Basically you have an A if the coupler attaches to the bottom of the frame, you have a B if your coupler attaches to the top of the frame and it's 6 inches tall, and you have a C if you have a coupler that attaches to the top... view full answer...
For a 3,500 Dexter Straight axle the springs should be placed between 16 and 18 inches on center from the hub face (flat area the wheel mounts against). Placement of the spring centers in any other position will reduce the axle capacity. If you are using a different brand of axle you will need to contact the axle manufacturer for the full capacity spring center dimensions.
If you are using double eye springs then the shackle straps will be located at the rear of the springs. The top bolt... view full answer...
Ideally, you want the coupler sitting flat in direct contact with the top of the trailer tongue. If the gap between the bottom inside of the coupler and the trailer tongue is pretty minimal, say 1/16 of an inch or less, having it the way it is would most likely not cause a problem, but I would recommend you go ahead and fix it.
This can be done in two ways. You can remove the coupler, cut about 1 to 1-1/2 inches off the end of the trailer tongue so you have fresh steel to work with and... view full answer...
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