Will Longer Bolts Equal Stronger Mount With Fulton Swing Away Coupler?

Question:

hi there. I am looking at the 330101 fulton swing away coupler. Question, would the mount be stronger if i used bolts that run all way thru instead of the shorter 16. example, using 4 x 3-1/2 inch bolts on each end of the coupler, instead of the 16 small ones. Would it be stronger or weaker. I see you get more tightening points if using 16, but it seems that if i used flat and lock washers o the end, less is better.Am i incorrect?

asked by: Scott R

Expert Reply:

Less would not necessarily be better when bolting the Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit # FHDPB330301. In the end, you can do what you are most comfortable with, but I recommend installing it the way the product was intended; the Fulton was engineered with 16 bolts in order to create an optimally secure attachment. Just one bolt going through creates two points of stress on the bolt instead of dividing it among the smaller bolts.

I've attached a video review of this product for you to take a look at as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S