Safely Extend Trailer Tounge ??

[SteveRoss]

Hi All....

I have 14' SeaArk Jon Boat sitting on a Road King trailer made for the boat. The bunks just reach the stern and the bow is about 4 feet (I think) from the back window of my Ford Escape. When I launch, the back tires of the Escape are almost up to the brakes or at least up to the wheels to get the boat to float off. When I get out of the car, I'm always ankle deep in water. That's not usually a problem here in Florida, but it just doesn't seem right if you know what I mean.

Question is.... Is it safe to extend the trailer tounge length to help solve the problem ?? Or are there other solutions ?? If an extension is OK, should I take it to a shop to have it done or are there kits to make it less expensive ??

Thanks in advance,

Steve

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Safely Extend Trailer Tounge ??

Extensions are safe when used properly ... not while towing ... but after you get to the launch ramp. Nothing's cheap when it comes to boats, though. I've learned to accept the facts of life when it comes to solo boat launching, and getting my feet wet is one of them. No extender is going to solve that, and you'll just have to wade out even deeper to get into the boat. Tires/brakes will stay nice and dry though.
http://www.xtend-a-hitchnorthwest.com/

 

[JimS123]

Re: Safely Extend Trailer Tounge ??

I'd contact the manufacturer and ask them.

I have a 14' LoadRite with a 14' boat. That particular trailer model comes in 3 versions, all with the same weight rating. The frames and tires are identical. The only difference is the length of the tongue. If I had the same problem I would merely order a longer tongue piece from LoadRite. Its just bolted on.

Then, move the axle to get the proper tongue weight.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Safely Extend Trailer Tounge ??

For that size of trailer, you can fairly easily extend the tongue and still remain completely safe. The best would be to haul the trailer off to a welding shop and just have them weld in a new section. There are also bolt in kits you can do yourself.

(the longer the trailer is between the ball and the axle, the easier it is to back! Another nice added benefit you will gain)

 

[Bondo]

Re: Safely Extend Trailer Tounge ??

For that size of trailer, you can fairly easily extend the tongue and still remain completely safe. The best would be to haul the trailer off to a welding shop and just have them weld in a new section. There are also bolt in kits you can do yourself.

Ayuh,... Depending on how Handy ya are, 'n the type of trailer design,...
I've just gone to the Steel Store,+ bought a Much Longer piece of the same steel that's there now, then drilled it to match the mountin' bolts....

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Safely Extend Trailer Tounge ??

I have a 1436 jon boat, one of these days I'm going to have 5' of 3"x3" welded to the tongue of my trailer.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Safely Extend Trailer Tounge ??

I'd contact the manufacturer and ask them.

I have a 14' LoadRite with a 14' boat. That particular trailer model comes in 3 versions, all with the same weight rating. The frames and tires are identical. The only difference is the length of the tongue. If I had the same problem I would merely order a longer tongue piece from LoadRite. Its just bolted on.

Then, move the axle to get the proper tongue weight.

Basically what I did with mine, looked through Load Rite's on line catalog and found that they made a 9' tongue with the holes already drilled. Found it at
www.trailerpartsdepot.com
installed it in a couple of hrs. Not too hard, just a bit of a struggle to get the bolt that ties together both frame rails and the tongue. Plus that 9' tongue is a little heavy, I used my floor jack to hold it up while lining everything up. I had to extend the wiring and brake line and move the axle all the way back to get the tongue weight right. Now I can keep the tow vehicle's tires out of the salt water....

I also got a piece of galvanized angle and fabbed up an additonal cross piece....