Ok, I need to make a decision on replacing the coupler on my project trailer. It has to be replaced, but I'm torn as to the best way. The trailer is made of 4" channel steel exhect for the 2" square tubing that holds the winch post. The tube is welded to the a-frame coupler, so other provisions would need to be made if the A-frame coupler is removed. To make matters for interesting, a standard A-frame coupler is a horrible fit. Maybe the worst part is that this is the one part of this restoration that I can't really do myself as I have never welded anything and will have to pay someone to do this. I'm willing to learn to weld, but this isn't a good beginner's job 
I will be adding electric brakes so all the old hydraulic junk has already been stripped off.<br /><br />Here are my options as I see it.<br /><br />1. remove the a-frame coupler and 2" tube. Replace witha 6' 3"x3"x.25" square tube tongue and standard coupler (favorite idea)<br /><br />2. Weld on a new a-frame coupler as well as possible and patch in the winch post bar<br /><br />3. cut off the coupler portion of the old stuff and weld a 16" piece of 3" square tube inside the old tongue piece and attach a regular coupler.<br /><br />I'm attaching a couple pics to illustrate my dilemma.<br /><br />The lt. blue line is the end of the existing "tongue". It is 3 1/2" channel. The inside is 3"<br /><br />The yellow line shows the end of the frame rails inside the a-frame coupler.<br /><br />The green lines illustrate the edges of the frame inside the coupler and how bad it fits.<br /><br />The purple is where the 2" sq. tube ends against a piece at the end of the coupler.<br /><br />Any ideas? I'm partial to idea 1 and modify the winch post to attach it to the 3" channel.<br /><br />
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I will be adding electric brakes so all the old hydraulic junk has already been stripped off.<br /><br />Here are my options as I see it.<br /><br />1. remove the a-frame coupler and 2" tube. Replace witha 6' 3"x3"x.25" square tube tongue and standard coupler (favorite idea)<br /><br />2. Weld on a new a-frame coupler as well as possible and patch in the winch post bar<br /><br />3. cut off the coupler portion of the old stuff and weld a 16" piece of 3" square tube inside the old tongue piece and attach a regular coupler.<br /><br />I'm attaching a couple pics to illustrate my dilemma.<br /><br />The lt. blue line is the end of the existing "tongue". It is 3 1/2" channel. The inside is 3"<br /><br />The yellow line shows the end of the frame rails inside the a-frame coupler.<br /><br />The green lines illustrate the edges of the frame inside the coupler and how bad it fits.<br /><br />The purple is where the 2" sq. tube ends against a piece at the end of the coupler.<br /><br />Any ideas? I'm partial to idea 1 and modify the winch post to attach it to the 3" channel.<br /><br />
