Folding Trailer Tongue

[Bduck]

Here is a discussion I got involved on another forum. It pertains to what I found on my boat trailer. I have a 2007 EZ Loader trailer with a 6’ length folding for easier storage in tighter spaces. The hinge bracket usually comes with a quick disconnect pin but when I bought this boat with trailer it had either a zinc, grade 5, or grade 8 bolt installed in place of the QD pin. I put all new grade 8’s in place from the start. Research from others who have experienced issues indicates that the QD shears while under towing. Here’s the problem, I have noticed for a while a bow at the hinge and also a slop of up/down movement which measurement of this movement is 1½”. I made phone calls for trailer parts to get same hinge bracket since mounting would be easy, no one had this particular style but similar style by same company were on the market. So I called into the Fulton manufacturer and had a chat with a technician. The Fulton style folding hinge that’s installed on mine has not been installed on trailers since 2007 same year of my trailer. The style I have is each hinge half has 2 mounts bolts that attach on each side of the which you can see in the pics inserted. The newer style put out can either be bolted which it comes with mount holes or welded on style-no bolt holes. The bolt mounting has changed from a side mounting to a top & bottom mounting as seen link. Also with newer style includes 4ea bolts on top & bottom of each half doubling up on bolts thus eliminating the bow of the . Now my observation is also with the QD pin there is a certain amount of play which will become more noticeable in time with wear. By replacing with a grade 8 bolt will restrict any movement slowing down such wear, but that’s a judgment call by the user. But beware, even with newer style hinge the QD pin will still shear in due time.
BTW, option is I called EZ Loader trailer in Spokane WA for parts and they don't sell the hinge bracket by itself. The only way they would warranty their hinge is with a new trailer for $475+shipping. I opted to get a hinge setup for $100+shipping from other source.

https://www.easternmarine.com/fold-away-...hdpb340101
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[Bduck]

Here is an update of what I had to do. I found a custom trailer builder in Salt Lake City. They had exactly what I was needing. I replaced the front swivel assembly and was able to get bracket that fits on to the other section of the . Since the Fulton swing bracket was bolt on this save me some additional money. The front came with a welded on bracket and I welded the back bracket on myself. The original front section was modified to extend the . When I flipped over the old I spotted a crack at one of the mounting bolts. Also both of the pivot holes was elongated providing the up/down movement, more notable on one.
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[wiperhunter2]

Wow, that boat trailer must have been used a bunch to have that much wear, good thing you caught it when you did. That could have been a disaster if that crack had broken while on the road. I don't think many members have those folding Trailer Tongues, or you might have received a better response to this thread. That new Folding Trailer Tongue should last you for a lot of years. If no one else replies to this thread in the coming days, I'm going to move it to our boat and motor board, that is better place for it.
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