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Fulton

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Fulton has produced marine and utility trailer hardware for more than a century, and its jacks, winches and couplers are a standard for light and medium-duty trailering. The XLT and F2 series cover swivel and fixed jacks, hand and powered winches from 1,500 to 3,200 pounds, and couplers built to keep working in wet, salty conditions.
With more than a hundred years of production behind it, Fulton has become the reference point for light and medium-duty trailer hardware, particularly on the marine side. That environment is the toughest test a trailer component faces. A boat trailer is reversed into fresh or salt water on every launch and left to sit wet, which finds every weakness in plating, sealing and material choice. Fulton's stated position is that the brand performs best when the weather is at its worst, and its product engineering reflects that. It sits within the Horizon Global towing group alongside Reese, Draw-Tite, Bulldog, Tekonsha and Wesbar.
Marine and utility jacks anchor the line. The XLT Series marine jack uses a bolt-through swivel mount built from three-dimensionally formed heavy-gauge steel stampings with a proprietary bushing material, a combination chosen to minimise deflection under tongue load while keeping the swivel action working after years of exposure. The F2 Series takes corrosion resistance further as the industry's only extruded aluminium marine jack with an anodised finish, which removes the rust problem at its source rather than coating over it. The wider trailer jack range covers topwind, sidewind and drop-leg configurations.
Trailer winches pull boats onto bunks and rollers. XLT Series winches use efficient gear ratios, full-length drum bearings, oil-impregnated shaft bushings and a Comfort Grip handle that makes the last few turns under load bearable, in 1,500 and 1,800 pound capacities. F2 Series winches use an enclosed frame for a cleaner look and added protection, in 1,600, 2,000 and 3,200 pound models, including two-speed options that trade line speed for cranking effort.
Couplers complete the range, including A-frame couplers matched to common tongue sizes and load ratings, serving boat owners, utility trailer users and trailer manufacturers.
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A stamped coupler is a trailer coupling device that connects a trailer tongue to a towing vehicle's hitch ball. This manual covers both bolt-on and weld-on stamped couplers in Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 ratings, available in straight tongue and A-frame (50-degree) configurations. The coupler secures the trailer to the towing vehicle and must be properly installed and maintained for safe towing.
No. A-frame couplers can only be used with 50-degree trailer tongues. Using an A-frame coupler with any other tongue angle will not meet installation requirements and may compromise safety.
The manual specifies different fastener requirements for each class. Class 1 couplers use 3/8" grade 5 bolts (preferred method: 4 bolts through side holes; alternate: 2 through bolts with locknuts). Class 2, 3, and 4 couplers use 1/2" grade 5 bolts (preferred method: 4 bolts through side holes; alternate: 2 through bolts with locknuts). The class rating determines the load capacity and fastener specifications required.
For Class 1 straight tongue couplers, the preferred method is to use four (4) 3/8" grade 5 bolts through the side holes. An alternate method is to use two (2) 3/8" grade 5 through bolts with locknuts, provided they can be torqued to the appropriate SAE proof load specification of 23 ft. lbs. No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed.
For Class 2, 3, and 4 straight tongue couplers, the preferred method is to use four (4) 1/2" grade 5 bolts through the side holes. An alternate method is to use two (2) 1/2" grade 5 through bolts with locknuts, provided they can be torqued to the appropriate SAE proof load specification of 55 ft. lbs. No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed.
A-frame couplers must be bolted to the tongue members using grade 5 hardware with locknuts. For couplers using 1/2" hardware, washers must be placed beneath all bolt heads and locknuts. The bolts must be torqued to the appropriate SAE proof load specification: 55 ft. lbs. for 1/2" bolts. No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed.
Two (2) 5/8" x 5" grade 5 bolts and corresponding locknuts are required. These bolts are inserted through two sets of holes in the mounting bracket and the coupler. The locknuts must be tightened to 100–110 ft. lbs.
Yes, gussets are required if the tongue height is 6 inches or less. The mounting bracket must be centered on the tongue and remain vertical after installation. A 1/4" minimum fillet weld is required all around.
A minimum coupler/tongue overlap of 6.5 inches is required. The coupler's internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue to achieve maximum overlap.
Before mounting the coupler, confirm that there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, and any other mounted accessories while stationary or in motion. Check for interference in both open and closed positions before installing. Check for interference again after installation is complete.
The manual does not specify whether drilling is required for bolt-on installation. It states that fasteners must be inserted through existing holes in the coupler and mounting bracket, but does not clarify whether these holes are pre-drilled or must be drilled during installation. Contact the trailer manufacturer or Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for clarification.
3/8" grade 5 bolts must be torqued to 23 ft. lbs. according to SAE proof load specifications.
1/2" grade 5 bolts must be torqued to 55 ft. lbs. according to SAE proof load specifications.
5/8" grade 5 bolts with locknuts must be tightened to 100–110 ft. lbs.
A 1/8" minimum fillet weld is required on both sides and the top of a straight tongue coupler, as shown in the weld-on detail diagram.
A 3/16" minimum fillet weld is required on both sides and the top of an A-frame coupler, as shown in the weld-on detail diagram.
All welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. This requirement is stated multiple times throughout the manual and is non-negotiable for safe installation.
Before towing, perform the following checks: (1) Check the vehicle, mounting bracket, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage and ensure the coupler handle opens and closes freely. (2) Replace any bent, broken, or worn parts. (3) Close the coupler securely, ensuring the hitch ball is fully seated in the ball pocket and the handle or latch is in the closed position. (4) Check mounting bracket hardware for wear and proper tightness; tighten to appropriate SAE proof load specifications using only grade 5 hardware. (5) Ensure trailer safety chains are properly connected according to SAE J684. (6) Verify all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly.
1. Block the trailer wheels. 2. Align the hitch ball beneath the coupler ball pocket. 3. Open the coupler by pulling the latch trigger and lifting the locking lever. 4. Lower the coupler over the hitch ball until the ball is fully seated into the ball pocket. 5. Move the locking lever to the closed position. 6. Check that the latch is engaged by lifting up on the back of the locking lever. 7. Verify that the hitch ball is fully seated and the ball clamp is below the ball. If the ball is not seated with the lever in the closed position and latch engaged, do not tow; repeat the steps.
1. Block the trailer wheels. 2. Align the hitch ball beneath the coupler ball pocket. 3. Open the coupler by (1) lifting the latch, (2) raising the yoke, and (3) pulling back, resting it on top of the coupler nose. 4. Lower the coupler over the hitch ball until the ball is fully seated into the ball pocket. 5. Push the latch handle forward until the yoke drops over the coupler nose and the latch handle tips enter the slots on top of the coupler. 6. Check that the hitch ball is fully seated and the ball clamp is below the ball. If the ball is not seated with the yoke in the closed position and latch handle engaged, do not tow; repeat the steps.
1. Block the trailer wheels. 2. Align the hitch ball beneath the coupler ball pocket. 3. Open the coupler locking lever by (1) lifting the latch upward and (2) pulling back. 4. Lower the coupler over the hitch ball until the ball is fully seated into the ball pocket. 5. Move the locking lever forward until the latch handle tips enter the slots on top of the coupler. 6. Check that the hitch ball is fully seated and the ball clamp is below the ball. If the ball is not seated with the lever in the closed position, do not tow; repeat the steps.
1. Block the trailer wheels. 2. Open the locking lever. 3. Raise the trailer off the hitch ball. 4. Return the handle to the closed position.
No. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated and/or the coupler is not closed. This is a critical safety requirement. Always verify that the hitch ball is fully seated in the ball pocket and the coupler is securely closed before towing.
Do not use the coupler. If coupler operation has been impaired in any way after installing the mounting bracket and/or coupler, the coupler must not be used. Replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket if either is deformed or damaged.
Use caution when uncoupling as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load. Always block the trailer wheels before uncoupling, and be prepared for the tongue to move unexpectedly.
Weigh your trailer plus added load. Do not exceed the lesser of the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Each component has its own weight rating, and you must stay within the lowest rating of all components in your towing system.
Use only the proper ball for this coupler as indicated on the coupler body. If you are uncertain which ball is correct, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or visit www.cequentgroup.com.
After installation is complete, check that the coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired. If the coupler is to be primed or painted after installation, make sure excess paint or primer buildup is removed from the ball pocket and latching mechanism.
The following procedures should be performed at least annually: (1) Check welds and mounting bolt torque. (2) Grease the ball pocket. (3) Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil.
Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean. When parking or storing your trailer, keep the coupler off the ground so dirt and/or other foreign material will not build up in the coupler ball pocket. Perform annual maintenance including checking welds and mounting bolt torque, greasing the ball pocket, and oiling pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil.
Cequent Performance Products warrants the product to the original consumer purchaser only that it will be free from defects in material and workmanship for five years for Bulldog and Fulton products, and one year for Pro-Series and Reese Towpower products, ordinary wear and tear excepted, provided installation and use are in accordance with product instructions. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from abuse, neglect, misuse, accidents, misapplication, overloading, improper installation (including welds), improper maintenance and repair, or product alteration by anyone other than the manufacturer. Repair or replacement is the sole remedy; the manufacturer is not liable for service or labor charges.
To make a warranty claim, contact Cequent Performance Products at 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170, or call 1-800-632-3290. Identify the product by model number and follow the claim instructions provided. You will be responsible for return shipping costs. Retain your purchase receipt to verify the date of purchase and that you are the original consumer purchaser. Both the product and purchase receipt must be provided to process your warranty claim.
This manual covers stamped couplers in Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 ratings for straight tongue and A-frame (50-degree only) trailers. A-frame couplers work only with 50-degree tongues. Contact the trailer manufacturer or Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 to confirm your trailer's compatibility.
Class 1 straight tongue couplers require four 3/8" grade 5 bolts (or two 3/8" through bolts with locknuts). Class 2, 3, and 4 straight tongue couplers require four 1/2" grade 5 bolts (or two 1/2" through bolts with locknuts). A-frame couplers require grade 5 bolts with locknuts and washers under all bolt heads for 1/2" hardware. Adjustable height channel brackets require two 5/8" x 5" grade 5 bolts with locknuts.
The manual does not specify whether drilling is required. Contact the trailer manufacturer or Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for clarification on whether holes must be drilled or are pre-drilled.
Yes. All welding must be performed by an AWS (American Welding Society) certified welder. This is a mandatory requirement for safe installation.
3/8" bolts: 23 ft. lbs. | 1/2" bolts: 55 ft. lbs. | 5/8" bolts: 100–110 ft. lbs. All bolts must be grade 5 and torqued to SAE proof load specifications.
A minimum of 6.5 inches of overlap between the coupler and trailer tongue is required. The coupler's internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap.
No. Do not tow if the hitch ball is not fully seated in the coupler ball pocket or if the coupler is not closed. Always verify full seating and secure closure before towing.
Perform maintenance at least annually: check welds and mounting bolt torque, grease the ball pocket, and oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean at all times.
Do not tow. If the ball is not fully seated with the coupler lever or latch in the closed position and engaged, repeat the coupling steps. Ensure the trailer wheels are blocked, align the hitch ball directly beneath the coupler ball pocket, and lower the coupler carefully until the ball is fully seated. Verify that the ball clamp is below the ball and the latch is fully engaged before attempting to tow.
This indicates potential wear or damage to the coupler. Before towing, check the vehicle, mounting bracket, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. If the coupler handle does not open and close freely, replace bent, broken, or worn parts before using the product. If the coupler and/or mounting bracket is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket.
Do not use the coupler. If coupler operation has been impaired in any way after installing the mounting bracket and/or coupler, the coupler must not be used. Check for interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or other mounted accessories in both open and closed positions. Verify that no paint or primer buildup is blocking the ball pocket or latching mechanism. If the problem cannot be resolved, replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket.
Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean. When parking or storing your trailer, keep the coupler off the ground so dirt and other foreign material will not build up in the coupler ball pocket. If buildup has already occurred, clean the ball pocket thoroughly before towing. As part of annual maintenance, grease the ball pocket and oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil.
Check mounting bracket hardware for wear and proper tightness. Tighten all hardware to the appropriate SAE proof load specifications: 3/8" bolts to 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" bolts to 55 ft. lbs., and 5/8" bolts to 100–110 ft. lbs. Use only grade 5 hardware. Replace any bent, broken, or worn hardware. Perform this check at least annually as part of routine maintenance.




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