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Fulton

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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality 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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This stamped coupler fits straight tongue trailers and 50-degree A-frame tongue trailers. The coupler type (Class 1, 2, 3, or 4) must match your trailer's rating. Confirm your trailer tongue angle and class before purchasing.
For Class 1 couplers: (4) 3/8" grade 5 bolts through side holes, or alternate (2) 3/8" grade 5 through bolts with locknuts. For Class 2, 3, and 4 couplers: (4) 1/2" grade 5 bolts through side holes, or alternate (2) 1/2" grade 5 through bolts with locknuts. The trailer manufacturer must specify the exact number and size required. Use only grade 5 hardware.
For bolt-on installation, the coupler and trailer tongue must have pre-drilled holes. For weld-on installation, no drilling is required; the coupler is welded to the tongue. Confirm your trailer has the necessary holes before purchasing a bolt-on coupler.
3/8" bolts: 23 ft-lbs. 1/2" bolts: 55 ft-lbs. 5/8" bolts: 110 ft-lbs. For adjustable height channel mounting bracket with 5/8" bolts, tighten locknuts to 100-110 ft-lbs. All fasteners must be torqued to SAE proof load specifications.
For bolt-on installation, a qualified person can install it if they follow all instructions. For weld-on installation, all welding must be performed by an AWS-certified welder. The coupler must be rigidly attached to support its maximum rated load.
Before towing, check: (1) vehicle, mounting bracket, hitch, ball, and coupler for wear or damage; (2) coupler handle opens and closes freely; (3) hitch ball is fully seated in ball pocket; (4) coupler handle or latch is in closed position; (5) mounting bracket hardware is tight and torqued to SAE proof load specs; (6) safety chains are properly connected per SAE J684; (7) all trailer lighting works. Do not tow if ball is not fully seated or coupler is not closed.
Perform annually: (1) check welds and mounting bolt torque; (2) grease ball pocket; (3) oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. Keep ball pocket and mechanism clean. When parking or storing, keep coupler off the ground to prevent dirt buildup.
This manual covers stamped couplers that can be installed using either bolt-on or weld-on methods. Bolt-on couplers use grade 5 bolts and locknuts through pre-drilled holes. Weld-on couplers are permanently welded to the trailer tongue by an AWS-certified welder. Both methods require the coupler's internal stop to be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap.
Yes, A-frame couplers in this manual can only be used with 50-degree trailer tongues. Do not use with any other angle. Confirm your trailer tongue is exactly 50 degrees before purchasing or installing.
The manual covers Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 couplers. Your trailer manufacturer specifies which class is required. Class 1 uses 3/8" bolts; Classes 2, 3, and 4 use 1/2" bolts. Check your trailer documentation or contact the manufacturer to confirm the correct class before purchasing.
The manual does not specify the tools required for bolt-on installation. You will need standard tools to insert and tighten bolts and locknuts to the specified torque values (23 ft-lbs for 3/8", 55 ft-lbs for 1/2", 110 ft-lbs for 5/8"). A torque wrench is essential to meet SAE proof load specifications.
For weld-on installation, 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. This ensures the coupler can support its maximum rated load.
Gussets are required if your trailer tongue height is 6 inches or less when using an adjustable height channel (mounting bracket). If your tongue is taller than 6 inches, gussets are not required. The mounting bracket must be centered on the tongue and remain vertical after installation.
For straight tongue couplers, use a 1/8" minimum fillet weld on both sides and the top. For A-frame couplers, use a 3/16" minimum fillet weld on both sides and the top. All welding must be performed by an AWS-certified welder.
A 1/4" minimum fillet weld is required all around the adjustable height channel (mounting bracket). This applies when the mounting bracket is used with tongue heights of 6 inches or less and gussets are installed.
For Class 1 couplers, the preferred method is to use (4) 3/8" grade 5 bolts through the side holes. Ensure the coupler's internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap. Tighten all bolts to 23 ft-lbs. No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed.
The alternate method for Class 1 couplers is to use (2) 3/8" grade 5 through bolts with locknuts, provided they can be torqued to appropriate SAE proof load specifications (23 ft-lbs). This method is only acceptable if the bolts can be properly torqued. No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed.
For Class 2, 3, and 4 couplers, the preferred method is to use (4) 1/2" grade 5 bolts through the side holes. Ensure the coupler's internal stop is butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap. Tighten all bolts to 55 ft-lbs. No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed.
The alternate method for Class 2, 3, and 4 couplers is to use (2) 1/2" grade 5 through bolts with locknuts, provided they can be torqued to appropriate SAE proof load specifications (55 ft-lbs). This method is only acceptable if the bolts can be properly torqued. No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed.
A-frame couplers can only be used with 50-degree trailer tongues. Use the available mounting holes in the coupler housing to bolt the coupler to the tongue members using grade 5 hardware with locknuts. For couplers using 1/2" hardware, use washers beneath all bolt heads and locknuts. Torque grade 5 bolts with locknuts to appropriate SAE proof load specifications (55 ft-lbs for 1/2" bolts). No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed.
The mounting bracket must be centered on the tongue and remain vertical after installation. If tongue height is 6 inches or less, gussets are required. A 1/4" minimum fillet weld is required all around. Insert the two (2) 5/8" x 5" grade 5 bolts through the desired mounting bracket holes and the coupler holes. Tighten locknuts to 100-110 ft-lbs.
Place the coupler on the trailer tongue members with the internal stop butted against the end of the tongue for maximum overlap (minimum 6.5 inches). Weld on both sides and the top using a 1/8" minimum fillet weld. All welding must be performed by an AWS-certified welder.
A-frame couplers can only be used with 50-degree trailer tongues. Place the coupler on the trailer tongue members with the internal stop butted against the end of the tongue for maximum overlap (minimum 6.5 inches). Weld on both sides and the top using a 3/16" minimum fillet weld. All welding must be performed by an AWS-certified welder.
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 positions before installing. After installation is complete, check for interference again. If coupler operation has been impaired in any way, do not use it.
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. This prevents interference with coupler operation.
Block trailer wheels. Align hitch ball beneath coupler ball pocket. Open coupler by pulling latch trigger and lifting the locking lever. Lower the coupler over the hitch ball until ball is fully seated into the ball pocket. Move locking lever to the closed position. Check that the latch is engaged by lifting up on back of locking lever. Verify that the hitch ball is fully seated and ball clamp is below the ball. If the ball is not seated with lever in the closed position and latch engaged, DO NOT TOW. Repeat the steps.
Block trailer wheels. Align hitch ball beneath coupler ball pocket. Open coupler by (1) lifting latch, (2) raising yoke and (3) pulling back, resting it on top of coupler nose. Lower the coupler over the hitch ball until ball is fully seated into ball pocket. Push latch handle forward until yoke drops over coupler nose and latch handle tips enter slots on top of coupler. Check that the hitch ball is fully seated and ball clamp is below the ball. If the ball is not seated with yoke in closed position and latch handle engaged, DO NOT TOW. Repeat the steps.
Block trailer wheels. Align hitch ball beneath coupler ball pocket. Open coupler locking lever by (1) lifting latch upward and (2) pulling back. Lower the coupler over the hitch ball until ball is fully seated into ball pocket. Move locking lever forward until latch handle tips enter slots on top of coupler. Check that the hitch ball is fully seated and ball clamp is below the ball. If the ball is not seated with lever in the closed position, DO NOT TOW. Repeat the steps.
Block trailer wheels. Open locking lever and raise trailer off of hitch ball. Return handle to closed position.
Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired in any way. After installing the mounting bracket and/or coupler, if coupler operation has been impaired, do not use it. Check that coupler operation has not been impaired after installation is complete.
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). Exceeding these limits may result in coupler failure and property damage or injury.
Use only the proper ball for this coupler as indicated on the coupler body. If uncertain about the correct ball size, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com.
Use caution when uncoupling as the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load. Always block trailer wheels before uncoupling. Raise the trailer off the hitch ball carefully.
Make sure that the trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer according to SAE J684. Proper safety chain connection is essential for safe towing.
Make sure that all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly before towing. Non-functional lighting creates a safety hazard.
Maintenance procedures should be performed at least annually. These include: (1) checking welds and mounting bolt torque; (2) greasing the ball pocket; (3) oiling 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. This prevents corrosion and operational issues.
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 all mounting hardware is tight and torqued to SAE proof load specifications. Do not use the coupler if its operation has been impaired.
Check mounting bracket hardware for wear and proper tightness. Replace bent, broken, or worn hardware. Tighten hardware to appropriate SAE proof load specifications (3/8" bolts: 23 ft-lbs; 1/2" bolts: 55 ft-lbs; 5/8" bolts: 110 ft-lbs). Use only grade 5 hardware.
Cequent Performance Products warrants the coupler to the original consumer purchaser only. Bulldog and Fulton products are covered for five years; Pro-Series and Reese Towpower products for one year. Coverage is for defects in material and workmanship, ordinary wear and tear excepted, provided installation and use are in accordance with product instructions. The warranty does not cover damage from abuse, neglect, misuse, accident, misapplication, overloading, improper installation, improper maintenance, or product alteration.
To make a warranty claim, contact Cequent Performance Products at 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100, Plymouth, MI 48170, 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. The product and purchase receipt must be provided to process your warranty claim.
If the coupler handle does not open and close freely, do not use the coupler. Check for paint or primer buildup in the ball pocket and latching mechanism and remove any excess. If the coupler is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket. Verify that coupler operation has not been impaired before using.
If the hitch ball is not fully seated in the coupler ball pocket with the latch engaged, DO NOT TOW. Repeat the coupling steps. Verify that you are using the correct ball size as indicated on the coupler body. If the ball still does not seat properly, check for debris or damage in the ball pocket and clean if necessary. If the problem persists, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290.
Check mounting bracket hardware for wear and proper tightness. Replace bent, broken, or worn hardware. Tighten hardware to appropriate SAE proof load specifications (3/8" bolts: 23 ft-lbs; 1/2" bolts: 55 ft-lbs; 5/8" bolts: 110 ft-lbs). Use only grade 5 hardware. Perform this check at least annually as part of routine maintenance.
If the coupler and/or mounting bracket is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket. Do not attempt to repair a deformed coupler. A deformed coupler cannot safely support its rated load and may fail during towing, resulting in loss of the trailer and potential injury or death.
No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed. If the tongue becomes deformed during installation, the installation was not performed correctly. Verify that the coupler's internal stop is properly butted against the end of the tongue and that fasteners are torqued to the correct SAE proof load specifications. If deformation has occurred, consult the trailer manufacturer or a qualified technician.
Matt
Ordered online. Shipment arrived on time and with all the correct parts. Great customer service and friendly staff. Also, pricing was great!
May 22, 2023





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