Replacing trailer coupling

[BugzyCan]

I have a single axle macgregor trailer for my 26s, it has no brakes. To add brakes I need to weld a backing plate to the axle, and add the brakes, this seems doable to me. The second part is to add a new coupling to the front.

The problem is, the one that is currently on the trailer is welded on, where it seems most replacement units bolt on. So to get this to work, the old coupling needs to come off.

Not seeing much on youtube on anyone doing this, other than one video showing a shop using a cutting torch to completely remove the old one, and welding on a new one, but that won't work with a bolt on unit, or will it?

I was thinking maybe using a grinder on the old welds would take it off, and then grind the old welds down flat, and put the new actuator on top, but would grinding that down weaken the metal?

I read on one forum that said any welding weakens the metal, so maybe this is not best practice?

Thoughts on how to make this work? Has anyone gone through this?

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by BugzyCan

I have a single axle macgregor trailer for my 26s, it has no brakes. To add brakes I need to weld a backing plate to the axle, and add the brakes, this seems doable to me. The second part is to add a new coupling to the front.

The problem is, the one that is currently on the trailer is welded on, where it seems most replacement units bolt on. So to get this to work, the old coupling needs to come off.

Not seeing much on youtube on anyone doing this, other than one video showing a shop using a cutting torch to completely remove the old one, and welding on a new one, but that won't work with a bolt on unit, or will it?

I was thinking maybe using a grinder on the old welds would take it off, and then grind the old welds down flat, and put the new actuator on top, but would grinding that down weaken the metal?

I read on one forum that said any welding weakens the metal, so maybe this is not best practice?

Thoughts on how to make this work? Has anyone gone through this?

You will probably find more answers at SailboatOwners.com, or the MacGregor forum.


Our trailer has a welded-on hitch. It also has holes so maybe it was suitable for both? Most welding or trailer shops can advise whether the hitch could be changed without weakening the tongue; they could also incorporate extra reinforcement where required.