Trailer tongue replacement 3mm thick square tube

[w2much]

I recently acquired an EZ Loader trailer. It was made for jet skis. I am going to use it for a 10' RIB with a 10HP Mercury outboard. It was either jack knifed or hit and considerably bent. I have squared it back up and paralleled the the frame . The tongue is beyond repair and easier to replace than try to bend back. I have some galvanized square tubing which measures 3mm or .018 inches in thickness. I hope to use a 6' piece , The winch will be in the middle where it will join the two side beams. It will extend 3' forward to the coupler and about 3' back to a new cross member . The coupler is twisted also so I plan to use an inexpensive Horror Freight replacement. It seems to me that the thickness of my replacement tongue for this is sufficient. What are your thoughts ? .

 

[Bob_VT]

Consider this........ the tongue is only a lever and the weight is normally minimal. 3mm is about 1/8" which is plenty if its a square or rectangular tube. A good 6' piece would support a RIB w/o problem........

I would go for it! Just make sure you you have the ability to properly secure the receiver and possibly a winch if you intend to use one.

 

[w2much]

I remeasured and the tube was only 10 gauge or .010..Still it seems to be plenty strong for my needs. I have cut and fit and grinded my pieces. A heck of a lot of work. Had to grind away the galvanization where needed for welding. Way 2much work for the value of the trailer. Alright another lesson learned,but all in all a fun project. And yes Bob I agree with you as the tongue really should not be holding weight. Thank you for your reply.

 

[gm280]

Pop up a few pictures. We all would like to see what you are working on...

 

[w2much]

Photos are not in order. First try on posting pictures. Way2 much work but I do have more time than money.The photo with the bent tongue is taken after the trailer was chained to my big pine tree and Ford Bronco then stretched, yanked and bent with another chain hooked to the trailering ball on my Ford Ranger. It was mighty twisted , a lot worse than the picture shows. now I just need a welder..

 

[gm280]

I actually rebuilt my trailer because of cracks and such. If you care to see that thread, click on the link listed below and have a look. You are absolutely going to need a welder. JMHO

 

[w2much]

gm, nice job on both the rebuild and the post. A good friend and I emphasize friend welded the trailer for me. I did allof the grinding and prep work and it was clamped and ready to weld for him. I must say I was surprised at how much work was involved. I do need a welder,not a friend who is a welder but my own actual welding device. Been wanting one for a while .
I will post some pictures when done . I still need to put on the fenders, the coupler, and put the axle under the leaf springs so as to gain a bit more clearance.

 

[dingbat]

I remeasured and the tube was only 10 gauge or .010..Still it seems to be plenty strong for my needs.

Your dimensional conversions are off considerably

10 gauge is 0.134” thick, not 0.010”

3mm equals 0.118”, not 0.018”

 

[w2much]

Thank you for the correction. Always more to learn. I am new to metal , another field to familiarize myself with. Funny though, I felt smart using my caliper and micrometer. One smart fellow,he felt smart, two smart fellows they both felt smart, three smart fellows and all three fellows felt smart.