Another question on extending a trailer.

[ksubigbuck]

Hi guys! I need to lengthen my trailer 2' to accomodate my new (to me) boat, and am planning on just lengthening the tongue. I was planning on sliding a new piece of 3X3 id steel over the existing 3X3 od steel, and I was wondering if the new section has to be welded on, or if I can simply secure it with 1/2" stainless bolts? If I were to bolt it on I would probably go with about a 6" overlap between the existing tongue and new "sleeve".

The boat isn't too heavy, it's a 17ft fiberglass bass boat with a 115 Johnson. I would guess that the boat, motor, and trailer together weigh about 3000 lbs.

Thanks for the help,
Hunter

 

[Bondo]

Re: Another question on extending a trailer.

If I were to bolt it on I would probably go with about a 6" overlap between the existing tongue and new "sleeve".

Ayuh,..... You'll want a Longer Overlap...... A Foot would be minimal,.. A Couple feet would be better,.....
3' or more would be even Better yet.....

And,..... putting a 3x3id over a 3x3od may not work because of the welded seam on the inside will probably interfere....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Another question on extending a trailer.

just replace the complete tongue. are your axles movable? may need to to adjust tongue weight, or may need to extend bunks for the same reason.

 

[ksubigbuck]

Re: Another question on extending a trailer.

It has negative tongue weight right now, due to the boat hanging a foot and a half off the trailer. After lengthening the tongue and sliding the boat forward the current axle location should be about right. I'm going to try putting in a new tongue if I can.

Thanks again,
Hunter

 

[ksubigbuck]

Re: Another question on extending a trailer.

Progress report:

I went to buy the metal for a new tongue...would have cost $175 OUCH! I didn't pay that much for the trailer! Decided to go with the "sleeve" idea. 4 feet of metal tube = $40, much better. Used 1' overlap and welded the snot out of it. The end result is waayyy stronger than the original tongue (but ugly), and I'm happy with it. I was kinda surprised to see that the trailer is only 1/8" steel. I think I'm going to use this trailer until I find a good deal on a heavier one.

Thanks for the help (even though I was stubborn and did it my own way instead),

Hunter

 

[Bondo]

Re: Another question on extending a trailer.

Used 1' overlap and welded the snot out of it. The end result is waayyy stronger than the original tongue (but ugly), and I'm happy with it. I was kinda surprised to see that the trailer is only 1/8" steel. I think I'm going to use this trailer until I find a good deal on a heavier one.

Ayuh,..... Alittle Paint will take care of the Ugly..........

And,......
If you're a Welder,..... Build yourself a Better Trailer........
The Price of Steel comes way Down when you start shopping at Dumpsters.........

Alittle over a year ago,....
I built this Trailer in My driveway, in about a month or so,.....
All from Dumpster Diving,+ Returned Favors..........

 

[ksubigbuck]

Re: Another question on extending a trailer.

I always wanted to go dumpster diving! Anywhere in particular I should be focusing my efforts? Dumpsters near construction sites or something?

Thanks,
Hunter

 

[Bondo]

Re: Another question on extending a trailer.

Ayuh,......

That's the Big Question in the Art of Dumpster Diving........

Just keep your Eyes Open,+ Never, Never walk by a Dumpster without Looking into it.........