Troubleshooting Wear On Folding Hitch And Recommendations For Hardware

Question:

I noticed a 3 year old Fulton folding hitch 3x3inch 18inch extension, 250 lb weight on tongue, 2300 Lb total rig weight that has always had grease on bolt and pin hinge, now is showing holes in hinge are loose and oblong. I have made no more that 15 trips around 18 miles or so in the past 3 three years or so after installing . what do I need to correct to keep this condition from getting worse/ Thanks in advance for your assistance.

asked by: Al R

Expert Reply:

If your bolts are getting loose, I recommend using Loctite Threadlocker 262 - High Strength - Up to 3/4" Nuts/Bolts - 0.20-Fl-Oz Tube # LT37420 and torquing your bolts to the manufacturer specs. The Loctite will keep the bolts from coming loose and prevent further wear because of loose hardware.

If you need to replace the unit you currently have due to the oblong holes, I recommend the Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit for 3" x 3" Tongue - Bolt On - Up to 5,000 lbs # FHDPB330301. Unfortunately there isn't a fix for oblong holes that would not possibly cause further issues. It sounds like too great a gross trailer tongue weight would cause this or if you are using this on an aluminum trailer as the frame will have more flex possibly causing this. These folding tongues are not for use on aluminum trailers. It definitely sounds like it isn't the correct part for your trailer.

expert reply by: Jason S