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Fulton

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We know our products
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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 hitch coupler that connects a trailer tongue to a towing vehicle's hitch ball. This manual covers both bolt-on and weld-on installation methods for Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 couplers with straight or 50-degree A-frame tongues. The coupler must be rigidly attached to the trailer and properly maintained to safely support the trailer's weight during towing.
No. Straight tongue couplers work with standard straight trailer tongues. A-frame couplers can only be used with 50-degree trailer tongues. You must verify your trailer tongue type before purchasing. If you have an A-frame tongue, it must be exactly 50 degrees for the coupler to fit properly.
The correct hitch ball size is indicated on the coupler body itself. Do not assume or guess. If you are uncertain which ball size is correct for your coupler, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or visit www.cequentgroup.com. Using the wrong ball size will prevent proper seating and safe towing.
For Class 1 couplers, the preferred method is four (4) 3/8" grade 5 bolts through the side holes. An alternate method is two (2) 3/8" grade 5 through bolts with locknuts, provided they can be torqued to the appropriate SAE proof load specification (23 ft. lbs.). The trailer manufacturer must specify the exact number and size of fasteners required for your application.
For Class 2, 3, and 4 couplers, the preferred method is four (4) 1/2" grade 5 bolts through the side holes. An alternate method is two (2) 1/2" grade 5 through bolts with locknuts, provided they can be torqued to the appropriate SAE proof load specification (55 ft. lbs.). The trailer manufacturer must specify the exact number and size of fasteners required for your application.
A-frame couplers use grade 5 bolts with locknuts through the available mounting holes in the coupler housing. For couplers using 1/2" hardware, washers must be placed beneath all bolt heads and locknuts. Torque the bolts to the appropriate SAE proof load specification: 1/2" bolts to 55 ft. lbs. No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed.
The adjustable height channel mounting bracket comes with two (2) 5/8" x 5" grade 5 bolts and locknuts. 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.
Gussets are required if your trailer tongue height is 6 inches or less. If your tongue is taller than 6 inches, gussets are not required. Gussets provide additional structural support for the mounting bracket on shorter tongues.
A minimum coupler-to-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. This overlap is critical for the coupler to support its maximum rated load.
Yes. The adjustable height channel mounting bracket must be centered on the tongue and remain vertical after installation. This ensures proper load distribution and coupler operation.
Before mounting the coupler, confirm there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or any other mounted accessories while stationary or in motion. Check for interference in both open and closed coupler positions before installing. After installation is complete, check for interference again. If the coupler operation has been impaired in any way, do not use it.
The manual does not explicitly state whether the coupler or mounting bracket comes pre-drilled or requires drilling. For bolt-on installation, the manual references using holes in the coupler housing and mounting bracket, but does not specify if these holes exist or must be created. Contact the trailer manufacturer or Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 for clarification on your specific coupler model.
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 must be torqued to 110 ft. lbs. according to SAE proof load specifications. This applies to the adjustable height channel mounting bracket bolts.
The two 5/8" x 5" grade 5 bolts on the adjustable height channel mounting bracket must have their locknuts tightened to 100–110 ft. lbs.
This manual does not address electrical connections for the coupler itself. However, the manual does require that all trailer lighting be hooked up and working properly before towing. Refer to your trailer's wiring diagram and the towing vehicle's installation instructions for electrical connections.
Do not exceed the lesser of the weight ratings for the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, hitch ball, or trailer (including load). Weigh your trailer plus any added load before towing. Exceeding any of these ratings can cause coupler failure and loss of the trailer.
Before towing, perform these checks: (1) Inspect the vehicle, mounting bracket, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. (2) Verify the coupler handle opens and closes freely. (3) Ensure the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler ball pocket and the handle or latch is in the closed position. (4) Check mounting bracket hardware for wear and tightness; tighten to appropriate SAE proof load specifications using only grade 5 hardware. (5) Verify trailer safety chains are properly connected per SAE J684. (6) Confirm all trailer lighting is hooked up and working. If the coupler or mounting bracket is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket.
If the coupler handle does not open and close freely, do not use the coupler. Replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket. A coupler that does not operate freely may fail during towing.
No. Do not tow if the hitch ball is not fully seated in the coupler ball pocket or if the coupler is not closed. Before towing, verify that the hitch ball is fully seated and the coupler handle or latch is in the closed position. If the ball is not seated with the coupler in the closed position and latch engaged, repeat the coupling steps until proper seating is achieved.
When uncoupling: (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. Use caution when uncoupling as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load.
Do not allow children to play on or around the coupler or the load being supported. Operators and bystanders should never position any part of their body under any portion of the coupler or the load being supported.
After installation is complete, check that the coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. Verify that the coupler handle opens and closes freely and that the latch mechanism functions properly. If coupler operation has been impaired, do not use it. If the coupler is to be primed or painted after installation, remove excess paint or primer buildup from the ball pocket and latching mechanism.
Perform the following maintenance at least annually: (1) Check welds and mounting bolt torque. Retighten bolts to appropriate SAE proof load specifications if needed. (2) Grease the ball pocket. (3) Oil pivot points with SAE 30 weight motor oil. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean at all times. When parking or storing the trailer, keep the coupler off the ground so dirt and other foreign material do not build up in the ball pocket.
Check welds and mounting bolt torque at least annually. Tighten any loose bolts to the appropriate SAE proof load specifications. For 3/8" bolts, torque to 23 ft. lbs.; for 1/2" bolts, torque to 55 ft. lbs.; for 5/8" bolts, torque to 110 ft. lbs.
Grease the ball pocket at least annually. Oil pivot points with SAE 30 weight motor oil. Do not use other lubricants.
This coupler fits straight-tongue trailers (all classes) or 50-degree A-frame trailers. Verify your tongue type and angle. The correct hitch ball size is marked on the coupler body. Contact Cequent at 1-800-632-3290 if unsure.
Four (4) 3/8" grade 5 bolts (preferred) or two (2) 3/8" grade 5 through bolts with locknuts. Torque to 23 ft. lbs. Your trailer manufacturer must specify the exact fasteners required.
Four (4) 1/2" grade 5 bolts (preferred) or two (2) 1/2" grade 5 through bolts with locknuts. Torque to 55 ft. lbs. Your trailer manufacturer must specify the exact fasteners required.
3/8" bolts: 23 ft. lbs. | 1/2" bolts: 55 ft. lbs. | 5/8" bolts: 110 ft. lbs. Mounting bracket locknuts: 100–110 ft. lbs. Use only grade 5 hardware.
No. Do not tow if the hitch ball is not fully seated in the coupler ball pocket or if the coupler is not closed. Verify full seating and proper latch engagement before towing.
Annually: check welds and bolt torque, grease the ball pocket, and oil pivot points with SAE 30 motor oil. Keep the ball pocket clean. Retighten bolts to spec if loose.
Do not use the coupler. A handle that does not move freely indicates the coupler is damaged or obstructed. Replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket. Do not attempt to force the handle or use the coupler for towing.
First, verify you are using the correct hitch ball size for your coupler (size is marked on the coupler body). If the ball is the correct size, the ball pocket may be obstructed by dirt, debris, or paint buildup. Clean the ball pocket thoroughly. If the ball still does not seat, the coupler may be damaged. Do not tow. Contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or replace the coupler.
If the latch does not engage or stay engaged, the coupler operation is impaired. Do not tow. First, ensure the hitch ball is fully seated in the ball pocket and try the coupling procedure again. If the latch still does not engage, the coupler is damaged and must be replaced. Replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket.
Stop towing immediately. Loosen bolts can cause coupler failure. Check all mounting bolts and tighten them to the appropriate SAE proof load specification: 3/8" bolts to 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" bolts to 55 ft. lbs., or 5/8" bolts to 110 ft. lbs. Use only grade 5 hardware. Check bolts and welds at least annually and retighten as needed.
Stop towing immediately. Noise or movement indicates loose bolts or a damaged coupler. Check all mounting bolts for tightness and retighten to the appropriate SAE proof load specification. Check the coupler for cracks or deformation. If bolts are tight but noise or movement continues, the coupler is damaged and must be replaced. Do not continue towing.
If the coupler is to be primed or painted after installation, excess paint or primer buildup must be removed from the ball pocket and latching mechanism. Clean away all excess paint and primer using a scraper or wire brush. Verify the coupler operates freely before towing. If buildup has hardened and cannot be removed, the coupler may need to be replaced.
Jennifer
The staff was able to quickly assist me with locating the correct product I needed. Shipping was really fast. Item arrived in 2 days. Will be using TowUniverse again!!
May 22, 2023





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