Extended tongue on trailer - The Hull Truth

kevdog · 06-20-2003, 05:21 PM

Thinking about putting an extended tongue on my trailer so I don't have to back my truck into the water when launching my boat. Are there any downsides to driving or handling? I'm thinking of about a 2 to 3 ft extension.

Thanks for the feedback.

Kevdog

auguste · 06-20-2003, 07:44 PM

Someone asking a question about something I tried

PRO Longer tongue improves trailering (follows better) and backing up is easier

CON trailer has a larger turning circle and you may have to reinforce the tongue (bigger tubing) because it gets springy and check to see that where the tongue connects to the main part of the trailer is strong enough to handle the extra leverage of the longer tongue

ALSO add a walking platform on top of the tongue so that you don't have to walk in the water

I did this to two trailers and it worked very well!

DA FISH · 06-20-2003, 08:12 PM

I could use the same thing, if anyonehas done this, how much did it cost? Fred

Garett · 06-20-2003, 09:43 PM

As auguste mentionedquote: ALSO add a walking platform on top of the tongue so that you don't have to walk in the water I had a brainstorm last fall and had one installed on my trailer; fabricated, painted and installed for 20 bucks. Put it this way, an idiot can walk into the water!

Once bitten, twice shy

bradinhawaii · 06-21-2003, 04:27 AM

Here in Hawaii, a lot of trailered boats have slide tongues. When on the road, the tongue is retracted. When it's time to launch the boat, the tongue extends. The slide tongue is usually on guides and is locked in place by a pin. To extend, you pull the pin out and drive the truck forward until the tongue hits a built in stop. Then you put the pin back in and you're ready to launch. Takes 30 seconds to extend.

4runner · 06-21-2003, 04:29 PM

To add to Brad's post. A lot of Hawaii trailers use sliding tongues similar to the ones in the link below except they only use one coupler. Helps to keep the rear of the tow vehicle out of the salt water.

http://www.extend-a-hitch.com/

Kickemall · 06-22-2003, 10:32 AM

I added four feet to my tongue on an 18' glass boat with no problem and it is well worth it. Two to three feet on virtually any trailer shouldn't be a problem as long as it is done by someone who can weld, the added material is the same thickness or greater and a small plate is welded to the bottom of the weld because thats where the flex is. It shouldn't cost more than 100 bucks and is well worth it. Theres all sorts of tricky slides you can make but unless you really need them they are not worth the time or money.

29 NORTH · 06-22-2003, 03:16 PM

I just saw hitch extender at OUtdoor
Wprld. It fits in the receiver and has the ball on the other end and it comes in two sizes.
Price is about $50 could be a neat Item on short tounge trailer. Though I migh need one soon.

cfwegman · 06-22-2003, 09:37 PM

They are pretty common for fixed keel sail boats. I've seen tongue extensions the full length of the trailer in a sleeve off to one side of the towing tongue. Park the trailer. Extend the tongue and pin in place. hook to the long tongue and back to the ramp.

Product Engineer, SMITH Marine Products

gutsurg · 06-30-2003, 09:43 PM

Interested to hear if anyone has experience with the extend-a-hitch. It seems to me that if the ramp has any incline, the 7+ ft extension would not clear and scrape? I'm also interested in extendind by coupler by about 2 ft.

Mumblerone · 07-01-2003, 07:14 AM

Now that's a great idea! quote:Here in Hawaii, a lot of trailered boats have slide tongues. When on the road, the tongue is retracted. When it's time to launch the boat, the tongue extends. Personally, I can't believe a 3' extention would make a difference or be worth the effort. I know some sailboaters at our club use long extensions (20') plus, but it's quite a process.

Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24' Outrage, twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros.

Snowball, the cat...