How log should the trailer tongue be?

[Lawnjockey]

I am modifying an ATV trailer I made a while back to use for a TD. With the front of the planned TD extending forward from the deck and the tongue being length being minimal for a ATV trailer I am getting concerned that it isn't going to be long enough. How should I verify it as being long enough?

Thanks

Jocko?

[bbarry]

I think a good rule of thumb is about 48" or so (beyond the body). My tongue extends 50" beyond the frame and mounting the coupler adds another few inches, but my body hangs over by 6". This has served me well so far.

Remember, too short of a tongue can cause problems like: interference with the tow vehicle during sharp turns (read, uh-oh!), excessive sway and bucking during forward travel, and makes it harder to back up.

Others may have different ideas.

Brad

[Lawnjockey]

Thanks, that is exactly what I was looking for. I am also going to extend about 6" so I guess I better get welding since it appears to be too short now. I'm glad I thought about it before I got too far.

Jocko

[bbarry]

I'm glad I thought about it before I got too far.

Always better to think before acting!

*Think eight times
*Rethink four times
*Measure twice
*Cut once

[dwgriff1]

The shorter tong makes for better efficiency. The original tears were in the 28" range, I believe.

When I lengthened the tong on mine I saw a drop in MPG on the tow vehicle. Because of a design burp my original tong was about 20" long. Pulled nicely though!

Backing up can be a challenge, but other wise I prefer shorter to longer. With a tong dollie, it should be possible to back the trailer into a tight spot easily, if backing makes you tremble.

dave

[Lawnjockey]

Oh no, you are forcing me to think again. In my case that is dangerous. I think I will make a mock up of the proposed extension and clamp it on the trailer and see what happens when I back up and or turn sharply.

Jocko

[dwgriff1]

Conventional wisdom on this forum is longer is better.

The difference in performance is not much and it may help your head!

dave

[KevinP]

My preference is to have a tongue to where I can back a trailer in at nearly a 75 degree angle at worst. General rule of thumb is width of two vehicle plus 6 or 8 inches.

[satch]

I use a 12" hitch extension (about $20 at HF) The tongue on Piglet is about 18". This way, when I look in the mirror, it does'nt look like the trailer is riding my butt!

[dovaka]

i like to be able to have the trailer and vehicle to go 90 degrees with each other but off the top of my head i forget how long my tongue is

[PanelDeland]

Make it 10 ft.It's always been my experience that it's easier to shorten something than to add on with the required strngth.

[synaps3]

I use a 12" hitch extension (about $20 at HF) The tongue on Piglet is about 18". This way, when I look in the mirror, it does'nt look like the trailer is riding my butt!

I second this recommendation. I got a hitch step from HF. I paid around $25 for mine, but it makes roof loading anything on my car a breeze -- plus, makes me never have any worries about jacknifing with my cargo trailer.

I'd make your teardrop's tongue relatively short, then use a hitch extension on the tow vehicle if you need it. I designed my TTT, counting on the use of the extension.

Here's the one I've been using: http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/ite ... egoryName=

[eamarquardt]

Make it 10 ft.It's always been my experience that it's easier to shorten something than to add on with the required strngth.

I think 10 feet is too conservative. I'd go 20 or perhaps even 30 to start with. Then cut it down in steps till you find the optimum lenght. Please, however, shorten it 10 foot steps and save the pieces for me. I'm sure I can find a use for them.

Cheers,

Gus