trailer coupling mount

[crankbait09]

I have a 14' jon boat trailer that has a 2-3/4" round pipe that is the main body frame. I was thinking of having an extension put on the tongue of it to make it 2ft longer. once i do this, I was going to replace the existing coupler, with this: https://www.amazon.com/Husky-87073-Width-Straight-Coupler/dp/B004OK86O4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391397025&sr=8-1&keywords=trailer+coupler

If I do this, has anyone ever mounted one of these with bolts? The existing one I have now was welded on by the previous owner(s). with it being a trailer to haul the boat around, are the bolts really that great of a fastening item? To me, a weld would be best. but if i dont have a welder, then the bolts are the only option.

thoughts?

 

[JMichael]

I have done and used both. Welding is cleaner, more solid, and worry free. A couple of 5/16-3/8 bolts will hold it on but, you'll need to keep checking on them to make sure they don't get lose. You may end up ripping a pair of jeans when you snag them on the bolt, (don't ask) :roll: but we do what we have to some times. LoL

 

[crankbait09]

I was thinking the same thing........

thank you for the input

 

[earl60446]

Put some nylock nuts on those bolts as well as lock washers, good quality galvanized bolts are sufficient and you
wont have anything to worry about.
Tim

 

[crankbait09]

will do. thanks

heres another question. if trailers are meant to be outside, why are the couplers made from zinc? Why not an aluminum or stainless steel? Everyone I see is mainly zinc plated and everyone i see in use, is rusted badly, including the one i currently have. why would they use zinc?

 

[JMichael]

I'm just guessing here but I would suspect that for aluminum, it's got to do with the strength requirements of the material and stainless might be too brittle. When ever I put a new one on, I put a good coat of paint on them to keep them from rusting.

 

[huntinfool]

You can bolt the coupler on, but don't use a long bolt through both sides. That will crush the coupler. Use 4 smaller bolts and use lock nuts. Depending on the. Thickness of the tube it may need to be reinforced.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

huntinfool » Tue Feb 04, 2014 3:40 pm[/url]"]You can bolt the coupler on, but don't use a long bolt through both sides. That will crush the coupler. Use 4 smaller bolts and use lock nuts. Depending on the. Thickness of the tube it may need to be reinforced.

Normally I would agree on using 4 bolts but his trailer has a round pipe for the tongue. Because of the contour on inside of the tongue I would use long bolts and sleeve for the bolts inside the tongue so it doesn't deform the tongue.