New trailer, need advice...

[toddb3]

I just picked up a 2000 Chaparral 196ssi which came with a galvanized tandom axle trailer. The trailer pulls very well but the tongue seems way too long. It looks like I could cut a foot of it off which would make it easier to manuever and actually fit in my garage. Can you guys think of any adverse affects of doing this?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

Yes - there is something wrong with cutting it off. When you buy your next boat you will ask yourself "why did I do that". They make swing-away tongues for just that reason.

 

[twag4]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

Overton's (and I am sure you could probably look at iboats as well) sells swing away tongues that you can bolt on or have welded on. Solve the storage in the garage problem anyway.

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

It will make it more difficult to control while reversing. The longer the distance between the ball and triler axle the better as it makes it more stable at speed and easier to backup. Stortening the tongue will also change the tongue weight. (not sure which way though).

If you want to be able to get it in the garage have one of these installed.
You can ge just the hinge mechanism without the coupler.

 

[dave11]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

The long tongue will let you keep your feet dry on shallow ramps. I wish mine was longer.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

My last boat was 24' on a 34' trailer and sometimes I thought I was in a tractor trailer, but the extra length is indespensible once you get used to it. Better road handling, more control when backing and dry feet to name a few.

 

[bhammer]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

If you cut it off, send it to me as I would love an extra foot or two. Just kidding, I would go with the swing to get that extra room you need. I have one for mine and love it. Most people ask about lengthen their trailer and if it was practical, I'd add another foot to mine just to get me further down the ramp.

 

[Al Kungel]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

Stortening the tongue will also change the tongue weight. (not sure which way though).

This will add to the tongue weight.

 

[toddb3]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

I checked out the fold-away tongue kit but its only rated for 3500# on a 3x3 tongue. My boat weighs 3500#'s by itself not to mention the weight of the trailer. Any other suggestions???

 

[jeeperman]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

If it only takes that one foot less to fit into your garage, what happens if you were to push the tongue sideways after it is all the way into the garage?
If the trailer is in the garage crooked, can you close the door?

 

[toddb3]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

I tried diagonally but it just takes up too much room, I guess I'm stuck with keeping it outside under a boat cover. I was hoping someone knew of another fold-away kit that had a higher capacity than 3500#'s.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

There are many trailers that have folding tongues that are rated way higher than 3500#s. For example Fourwinns boats in the 24' range and higher come with trailers with folding tongues.

 

[bhammer]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

They make em. Here is one I found for 5000# http://www.etrailer.com/p-85514.htm

 

[toddb3]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

They make em. Here is one I found for 5000# http://www.etrailer.com/p-85514.htm

Thats for a 3"x 4" tongue, mines a 3x3. I've seen other trailers like the one for the 23' boat but I really would like to try to keep this trailer. I just seems like someone would make a conversion of greater capacity.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

http://pivithitch.com/

You should call these guys and see what they have available.

Go here to see some pictures.
www.extremetrailers.com/new/options_1.html

 

[jeeperman]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

You could also construct a "bubble" in the garage wall big enough to backup another foot. The outdrive or outboard would go in it.

 

[INJUN]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

Or cut a slot in the door.

 

[toddb3]

Re: New trailer, need advice...

Its funny that you mentioned cutting a hole in the back wall, I've got 2 storage rooms in the back of my garage, I've thought about cutting the wall and door out of one of the rooms and making it into a "cased opening" which would give me another 3'6" of depth where I want to park the boat. I'll save that for a winter project though. I tried to contact Pivot Hinge but thier site is under construction and no return email yet.