Can an A-Frame Coupler be Removed and a Flat Plate or Channel Coupler Installed in its Place

Question:

HI, I HAVE A HYPERLITE 27 HFS CAMPER THAT IS ABOUT 8000 POUNDS LOADED . IT HAS AN A-FRAME COUPLER ON IT , AND ITS ABOUT 6 INCHES TO LONG FOR MY OUTBUILDING , LOL ... SO I WAS LOOKING AT CUTTING IT SHORT ENOUGH AND WELDING A 1 INCH THICK PLATE ON THE END OF THE SQUARE TUBING FRAMES TO USE A DEMCO BOLT ON FLAT PLATE MOUNT COUPLER . HAVE YOU ANY IDEAS ABOUT THIS ? IM A TOOL MAKER , AND WELDER SO I REALIZE I NEED A GREAT WIRE WELD JOB DONE ON THIS .

asked by: JEFF Z

Helpful Expert Reply:

Your plan could definitely work but what I would do is weld on a channel, such as # DM59601, and using a coupler such as # DM12688-95 for a 2 inch ball or # DM07678-95 for a 2-5/16 inch ball. And of course, some hardware, # PS024202, to mount the coupler to the channel. This type of set up was designed to take off/move the coupler more so than a flat mount.

Like you said there is a lot of welding that will need to be done especially to reach the capacity needed. It sounds like you have the skills but if you have any doubt at all it would be a good idea to source out the labor to a master welder. The trailer manufacturer also would probably not like this modification too much so any warranty on the trailer would be void!

After you have completed the installation I would also have the trailer inspected to further ensure that the modifications are safe and ready for the road.

expert reply by: Michael H