A rebuilding the tongue box question--Photos Added
Posted:
Tue Oct 24, 2006 1:51 pmby Ira
Gonna take either Thursday or Friday off for a full day of work on The Crab while it's at home this week and not at the boatyard. Plus, I have the whole weekend as well.
I gotta rebuild my tongue box which I smashed trying to back it in, and I figured I would keep it full width, but reduce the depth.
With a large lid that opens while the AC is operating, can you guys think of any reason why just 2 or 3 inches deeper than the AC extending out would cause problems?
And any other suggestions as a way to go?
As I long as I radically shorten the depth, I don't see the need for a design where I would be following the contours of the tongue.
Posted:
Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:23 pmby Ira
halfdome, Danny wrote:When I was figuring out my tongue box I jack knifed my trailer as hard as possible and then took measurements between the TD & tow vehicle and went from there. I hope this helps in making your decision. 
Danny
I'm a dope, so it doesn't help much.
Posted:
Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:30 pmby madjack
Ira, to keep this from ever happening in the furture, I would give serious consideration to building a box similar to what MaryK has built for hers..and a probable yes to your question about the AC.....
madjack
Posted:
Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:37 pmby Ira
Thanks, guys.
Gage, you know my skill level and my timeframe for Anastasia, so I can't see that happening. Plus, with a longbed truck and this tiny TD, it looks ridiculous towing as it is.
So Jack, I guess Mary's design it is--but I just may go longer while still following the lines of the tongue. Is this the kosher plan?
It's not like I NEED a big tongue box for storage, cause of the truck, but it would be nice to have..
But if I follow Mary's design, do I have to recess it like 1/4", 1/2" in from the outside edge of the channel? So if my truck goes boom into it again, it'll be tucked away from my lousy driving?
Posted:
Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:05 pmby madjack
Ira, build it a deep as ya want and follow a line from the corner of your tear to the coupler...and never forget what has happened when backing...remember if it gets close to stop and start over or just get out and push it into place!!!!!!!!!!!
madjack
Posted:
Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:07 pmby TRAIL-OF-TEARS
Ira, if you do make your tbox shorter and only leave 2" clear behind the A/C you might have problems like MJ said but you could add a vent to it like I have for my A/C
Just make sure you seperate the intake that is on the side of the A/C with the exhaust at the rear. This will keep the A/C from sucking the hot air back thru the coil and over heating. I added a vent to the bottom of the tear so it can draw cool air thru the coil.
Posted:
Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:31 pmby Ira
madjack wrote:Remember if it gets close to stop and start over or just get out and push it into place!!!
If I'm drinking, I don't have the judgment to tell if I'm too close nor the strength to push it.
And you gotta understand:
We're not talking about me destroying this box trying to get into a tight space. You could have driven a MAC TRUCK through the space I had.
I know--I'm a disgrace to the male gender. (As far as driving goes, anyway.)
Posted:
Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:52 pmby Classic Finn
Ira weve got faith in you... You can do it...Go Ira Go...Maybe them Crabs have grown too big on the side of the box??
Classic Finn
Posted:
Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:53 pmby Classic Finn
Posted:
Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:57 pmby madjack
...there is nothing wrong with a long tongue...period...(or so my wife(aka "the poor girl") sez)...of course proper bracing is a must in most cases.........
madjack
Posted:
Tue Oct 24, 2006 4:10 pmby Classic Finn
Ira Im sure that the changes you do make on your teardrop will turn out just great...
Classic Finn
Posted:
Tue Oct 24, 2006 4:14 pmby mikeschn
If it were me, I would use the JC Whitney tongue box dimensions as a starting point...
Mike...