by KCStudly » Thu Aug 18, 2022 11:55 am
So often, in light duty utility trailers, the OEM skimps on material so much that they only use a single member tongue. Sometimes the wall thickness can be a little on the thin side for my taste, and the stick out length, as well as the extension to the 2nd xmbr very short. All this in an effort to minimize material use and achieve some predetermined entry level market price point.
This can compromise maneuverability (axle and front too close to TV), and durability, especially when fitted with an offset/clamp on tongue jack that tends to put twist into the tongue when deployed.
People will often replace an original straight tongue with a longer, stronger member, that reaches further back (for strength) and forward (for better towing and backing behavior).
Most of the time a three member A-frame tongue is the result of people beefing up a single member tongue; the center member already exists or has been extended and the diagonal sides are added to stiffen the center against bending and twist. A scratch built 2-member A-frame tongue that extends adequatly under the trailer frame does not require a center member. Any extra crossmember forward of the first main bed crossmember does not add appreciable strength and would typically only be needed to attach a tongue box (although this could also be done with tabs or clips).
Having a center member that extends past the front of the 'A' part can improve turning clearance or add clearance for a TV tailgate or tailgate mounted spair tire, but this creates a point of stress at the tip of the 'A'.
The removable front coupler can not only be used as a security device, but if made to telescope, can also be useful for handling, or even fuel economy. In the closed up/short position the trailer could tuck into the TV slip stream better, and maneuvering in tight quarters, such as a twisty tree lined trail would be better, but backing would be more sensitive to driver input, and would be generally less forgiving. In the extended position, the trailer might behave nicer at higher speeds, such as on the highway (tho aero mileage may suffer a bit), and would make backing up easier where space is available. But careful design is needed to make sure there is always adequate overlap at the telescoping section, and that the end of the outer tube is reinforced to prevent the tube wall from splitting open (like on a receiver hitch).
Making the transition between extended and retracted could also be sketchy while hitched up, especially on a heavier camper or when a lot of forward weight is on the tongue.
Just some thoughts on the matter.
Last edited by
KCStudly on Mon Oct 24, 2022 8:30 am, edited 2 times in total.
KC
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