HF Tongue Modification - 2x2 tubing wall thickness?

[Toytaco2]

There have been several threads on extending the tongue on the HF trailers. The tubing required is 2"x2". Thanks to Harvy (Nobody's Teardrop), here is a pic of his frame with the job almost finished.



Can anyone tell me what thickness the tubing wall should be?

I'm hoping to get this project done before the next outing.

Thanks,
Mike

[doug hodder]

It appears to be .120 or .125 Doug

[firemaniac]

I used .250 wall for mine, but I extended the tongue about 2 feet beyond the original, and I didn't want that somgun going anywhere.

[azmotoman]

This gives me visions of a tumbling mass of wood on the shoulder and a huge shower of sparks behind the tow vehicle. Make sure you attach it well.

[firemaniac]

Well, at least on mine, behind the 2 feet that stick out the front there are 6 more feet that continue under the trailer, which is securely bolted to two 4 foot long 2x2x.250 angle iron on either side, each piece of angle is bolted to the main frame of the trailer under the cabin.
At the front of the "A" frame the original ball mount is inverted and the 2x2 tube is bolted to the inside of that.
All of this was done using 1/2", and mostly 3/4" hardware.

[Yota Bill]

Well, at least on mine, behind the 2 feet that stick out the front there are 6 more feet that continue under the trailer, which is securely bolted to two 4 foot long 2x2x.250 angle iron on either side, each piece of angle is bolted to the main frame of the trailer under the cabin.
At the front of the "A" frame the original ball mount is inverted and the 2x2 tube is bolted to the inside of that.
All of this was done using 1/2", and mostly 3/4" hardware.

Wow! overkill extreme! my car hauler isnt even built that heavy, and it weighs 1700 lbs empty!

[Toytaco2]

Thanks for all the good info. I only want to extend the frame about 12". The method method most folks use who do this mod is to simply flip the original mounting plate over and use it as a sort of cradle for 2x2 inch tubing.

My reasons for this mod are threefold: 1.) To eliminate some of the flex in the tongue when using the trailer jack. 2.) Gain a little extra length to help in backing up, and 3.) to provide an improved method of attaching the safety chains as I do like the stock HF method (I'm not yet sure how I will accomplish this, so suggestions are welcomed).

Can anyone confirm what wall thickness of 2x2 tubing would be safe for this application. My loaded trailer is around 1200 lbs and tongue weight around 145 lbs.


Thanks,
Mike

[angib]

If you're using Harvey's method shown in the photo - so connecting to at least two cross-members of the main HF frame - and you don't want to add much length, then almost any 2" tube will do. There's no point going below 11 guage or 1/8" as that seems the most available size but equally there's no great advantage in going much thicker than that. So I'd say 2"x1/8".

[doug hodder]

Mike...something you can do to restrict twisting on the frame member with the jack is to move the jack as close to the end of the tongue as possible and still be operable. On mine, I also weld in a small piece of sq. tube between the A member and the center portion of the tongue, takes all the twist out. I deck mine though, so that isn't seen. Doug

[Nobody]

The tongue extension on my TD extends 16" forward of the original HF 'A' frame. With the coupler it is 21" forward of the original. It is 2x2x1/8" & thru some 12K miles & some pretty rough roads, no untoward bending or flexing . I attached the safety chains with the forward horizontal bolt that I used to attach the coupler to the tongue. As for the A-frame mounted tongue jack, I've had no problems with it. Of course it isn't the primary support as I have the BAL stabilizers on each corner that I deploy immediately upon un-hitching from the TV. I have re-positioned the TD by hand over some pretty uneven ground/pavement & have not noticed any 'give' or undue flex of the jack.

[Toytaco2]

Thanks for all the good info. I had about concluded that 1/8" was the way to go and Harvey's last post confirms it for me. No substitute for on the road experience!

Next post anyone sees from me on this subject will be pics of the completed job.

Thanks,

Mike

[bobhenry]

2x2x3/16 cause I didn't know no better

But I thank Harvey everyday that I pull it, for his postings and for the idea.

[Toytaco2]

I finally quit talking about the HF tongue length mod and did the job. It looks and works great. Thanks for everyone's input on this.

Mike

[ARKPAT]

Harvey has inspired all of us in the HF tongue extension ...... this is not my new trailer extension buy my buddy's trailer. That was inspired by Harvey's extensions.




I will try to get the pictures of the one that is on my trailer and new tongue box........ I was in a hurry to get the tongue extension do before BB gathering.






Pat

[bobhenry]

Well boys how much different does it pull ?

(and back up ? )