Can I remove this trailer tongue?

[brewern]

Currently I'm unable to park my boat in my garage because the trailer is too long. But, it certainly looks like I could remove the front part of the trailer for storage this winter. With that front part removed it'll fit just fine. It's either that or build a cradle for it and store the trailer outside. I've posted a video of the trailer below if that helps. I realize I'd have to cut the brake line, but I can easily splice that back together in the spring and flush the brake lines.

Or, if you have any other suggestions, let me know. What would you do?

I'd love to have it in the garage all winter so I could reupholster it and do some engine work.

Thanks,
Neil

 

[rickryder]

Re: Can I remove this trailer tongue?

I assume your talking about unbolting the bar and cutting the brake line at that point. You can do that.... just get 2 line nuts and a flared connector. Make sure you use a double flaring tool when you make new flared ends. Ya might even want to put a rubber brake line where ya cut it so you can fold the tongue bar over and store it on the trailer....you wont have to brake the line and bleed it every time. Just my .02

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Can I remove this trailer tongue?

That's a tilt trailer so you should have a brake hose in there already. I was in the same situation and put two jack stands under the frame, removed the bow strap/safety chain, pulled the pivot bolt and gently swung the tongue to one side. It worked fine.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Can I remove this trailer tongue?

I'd make a "Swing Away" arm trailer out of that thing.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=359542

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Can I remove this trailer tongue?

unbolt it and disconnect the brake line. come spring, re-install and bleed the brakes.

or like WOG suggests, make it a swing away tongue.

 

[brewern]

Re: Can I remove this trailer tongue?

I'd make a "Swing Away" arm trailer out of that thing.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=359542

Are there any questions you don't have an answer for WOG? I've read a lot of threads and you always have great advice and instructions. Many thanks for that!

The only thing I don't like about the swing away option is violating the integrity of the trailer. I assume the engineers took this into consideration, but still it makes me cringe.
On the plus side is I don't have to purge the brake lines every spring if I install a rubber brake line as recommended by rickryder.

Has anyone successfully installed a rubber brake line for a swing away here? Does anyone else have concerns with chopping the trailer tongue?

Thanks,
Neil

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Can I remove this trailer tongue?

It's done everyday in the automotive world for front brake calipers. Amd they do sell the kits for swing aways look in the trailering forum there is a post on it and it turned out 1st class just use the search option. Good luck!

 

[Teamster]

Re: Can I remove this trailer tongue?

Many manufacturers instal the swing away tongue from the factory anymore,...

I couldn't imagine any problems with it,....

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Can I remove this trailer tongue?

for nearly all of my flexible brake line projects I use braided stainless and teflon lines from goodridge. I get them thru Pegasus Racing.

http://www.goodridge.net/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category2_-1_64_10551_67259

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=4

however you can also simply buy the flexible lines for trailers http://www.trailerpartsdepot.com/it..._medium=PriceEngine&utm_campaign=OneStopFeed&