Where to find coupler bolts?

[kabcpapc]

I have a new Reese 2" trailer coupler that I will be installing on the trailer I'm refurbishing. I will also add a coupler handle. The items were purchased separately. When I went to find grade 5 or grade 8 bolts in size 1/2-13 I could only find 4" or 5". With the coupler handle the 4" is too short and the 5" is too long. I then went to Northern Tool because I remember seeing a Reese 2" coupler with the coupler handle already attached. I measured the bolt that was included and it was a 4 1/2" grade 5. I checked Lowes, Home Depot and Tractor Supply. Any suggestions?

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Where to find coupler bolts?

www.mcmastercarr.com

I have also had good luck hitting the local neighborhood hardware store. they many times have the hard to find stuff.

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Where to find coupler bolts?

I agree with McMaster Carr, good prices and affordable shipping.

Another place to check would be a truck dealer/garage.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Where to find coupler bolts?

FASTENAL! BUT: Why use such long bolts? Too tight and they crimp the coupler and tongue, and they tend to loosen a bit with age. You can reach in through the front of the coupler and use short 1 or 1 1/2 bolts on each side with the nuts on the inside. If you buy flanged nuts like they use in industrial rack systems, they are self locking. Then you can torque any nut you use down. They will never loosen and you will have have a much more secure bond between the coupler and tongue. And, they are cheaper too.

Almost all couplers in the larger sizes I have seen also have two more holes in the top. I like to drill them through the trailer tongue and use six bolts to mount the coupler.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Where to find coupler bolts?

or take a sawsall with a metal blade and cut the long bolt off, after installation. or just double nut them.

 

[fire831]

Re: Where to find coupler bolts?

Or do like I did and have it welded on.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Where to find coupler bolts?

Can't believe you couldn't find any at Tractor supply or Lowes, I got grade 8s from lowes for mine although I may have cut them off, that may be your only option.

I would rather spend 10 minutes with a hack saw than 2 hours running around looking for a specfic size.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Where to find coupler bolts?

One of my favorite places to buy fasteners is Tractor Supply. They have grade 5 and 8 in large sizes. They sell by the pound.