trailer tongue extension?????

[peanutbay1]

I just got a bayliner 2755 sunbridge. I have it sitting on a 7500lb twin axle trailer. The tongue is about 2' short for what I prefer. What I did was take another section of 3x4 box and u bolt,through bolt and tack weld it below the original tongue (20" out past). So now you have the original box with a box below which in turn gives me the 20" I needed. I understand that installing a longer section of tongue is what is prefered. The truth is we are just looking to do some local runs for the rest of the season to test the boat and we will be purchasing an I beam trailer in spring. Has any one ever done this??? Does any one have any concerns past the obvious???

 

[Blujay96]

Re: trailer tongue extension?????

It looks like it would do fine. The only thing I would do is put a few good welds to hold them together, not just tacks to keep it from sliding front to back on the u-bolts. Also that way you are not relying just on the u-bolts to hold the weight. I could not read you notes on the pictures they were to small to read. I theory it should make your tongue stronger having the extra tube under the other. Just for reference I work in a steel fabrication shop.

 

[peanutbay1]

Re: trailer tongue extension?????

Thanks for the input blujay96. I too am of machining and fabrication background. I agree that the 2 pieces together should flex less than a single box tubing. I have 2 bolts that pass through both tubes ( vertically) in addition to the 4 heavy ubolts that will hold it together. Would you still reccomend stitch welds??? and if so do you think I am at risk for anealing the metal to a softer rockwell hardness rating thus making the tubing weaker?? I can keep my heat to the minimum but you know how welding changes metal wether you want it to or not.

 

[Blujay96]

Re: trailer tongue extension?????

If you have the bolts going thru the tube you should be fine.