HF tongue extending

[johnnyb1216]

quick Q about extending the HF 1750# trailer tongue. i would like to extend my tongue 3' past the angle suports, like bobhenery and zack, what size square tubing did you use? 2x2 fits through the front bracket did you use that or something else and remake the front bracket? is 2x2x1/8 thick enough or should i use 2x2x3/16? did you use the original HF hitch which i think fits a 2 1/2" tubing? just wondering. im in the process of building my trailer and want to do these mods right off the bat.
thanks, john

[absolutsnwbrdr]

quick Q about extending the HF 1750# trailer tongue. i would like to extend my tongue 3' past the angle suports, like bobhenery and zack, what size square tubing did you use? 2x2 fits through the front bracket did you use that or something else and remake the front bracket? is 2x2x1/8 thick enough or should i use 2x2x3/16? did you use the original HF hitch which i think fits a 2 1/2" tubing? just wondering. im in the process of building my trailer and want to do these mods right off the bat.
thanks, john

I used 2x2x3/16" x 7' on both of my builds, but that's probably overkill. 3/16" was only a couple dollars more vs the 1/8", and I'm not gentle with my trailer so the extra strength seemed like a good idea. You can probably reuse the stock HF coupler if you shim it with some washers, but a new coupler is only about $20-$25.

Just realized all my "bookmarked" posts in my first build werent working since we switched to the new forum, but they're fixed now. Heres my tongue extension on the first teardrop...

viewtopic.php?p=854558#p854558

[johnnyb1216]

Thanks zack, that is just what i was lookin for. Now do you have
a plate at the bottom where the angle supports come in?? I dont think i have one of those, not that far On putting the trailer together. Did you build that peice or did it come with the kit
Thanks, john

[down under tech]

Hello Johnny B: I did the same thing that Zach did, but I used 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 1/8" square tubing. I reused the HF coupler and it bolted right on the new extension.

I took some angle and made some attaching tabs and welded them to the extension where they meet the cross members and bolted them to the cross members with 3/8" bolts into the existing holes in the cross members.





I cut the "box" off the upper triangle plate with a cut off wheel and flipped it over and bolted the triangle plate down over the new tubing. When it was all centered up, I welded the bottom triangle to the new extension.



The portion of the box that was still attached to the upper triangle is 2 1/2" wide and it sets perfectly over the extension and holds the tube in place. That way, I can remove the extension in the future if need be for some reason. There is no side to side movement this way. The upper plate sat about 1/16" higher than the A frame. The bolts pulled it down tight as they were drawn down holding it very firmly.





By doing this modification, I moved the coupler 24 inches forward from it's original location. It turned out great and it is stronger and much easier to back the trailer now.



Welcome to TD's. You will end up building a very nice TD with the help and encouragement of the people on this forum.

P.S. I used to live in Wooster and I was born in Orrville. My sister lives in Canton.

[johnnyb1216]

thanks for the reply and pics tech, everything sounds good i just need to stop workin 10 hr days and sats so i can get to a steel place and spend some time on my build.
small world- my first apt was just north of wooster in burbank(ohio) and i work in wadsworth. my family and i hit the orrville fireworks every july fourth, way worth the traffic and drive.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Thanks zack, that is just what i was lookin for. Now do you have
a plate at the bottom where the angle supports come in?? I dont think i have one of those, not that far On putting the trailer together. Did you build that peice or did it come with the kit
Thanks, john

Not sure I quite understand what you mean. I didnt have to add any plates or weld anything. The only thing I added was the 7' square tube steel. The only "modifying" of the trailer that I did was flipping the "coupler base" and running the tube steel through it, then bolting it back into place.

Now that I read your question again - do you mean where the two tongue c-channels come together at the coupler location? There should have been a flat metal plate in your trailer kit that gets bolted from the underside of the tongue.

If you look at page 26 of your manual, or view the manual online, there is a parts diagram. Are you missing Part #5 - T-Plate?

[johnnyb1216]

johnnyb1216 wrote:Thanks zack, that is just what i was lookin for. Now do you have
a plate at the bottom where the angle supports come in?? I dont think i have one of those, not that far On putting the trailer together. Did you build that peice or did it come with the kit
Thanks, john



Not sure I quite understand what you mean. I didnt have to add any plates or weld anything. The only thing I added was the 7' square tube steel. The only "modifying" of the trailer that I did was flipping the "coupler base" and running the tube steel through it, then bolting it back into place.

Now that I read your question again - do you mean where the two tongue c-channels come together at the coupler location? There should have been a flat metal plate in your trailer kit that gets bolted from the underside of the tongue.

If you look at page 26 of your manual, or view the manual online, there is a parts diagram. Are you missing Part #5 - T-Plate?

my bad zack i found the plate i was talkin about.

[johnnyb1216]

zack, on tour trailer since you extended forward, did you move your axle back? and if so how far? im kindda building my frame and floor like your x-II, love the under front storage for battery and electronics.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I left the axle at its original location on both of my builds. Neither one has an elaborate galley with heavy cabinets, so the only serious weight back there is when I have coolers loaded. I took my maiden voyage two weeks ago - had two 50qt coolers loaded with ice/beer/food, a small generator, and a gas can all back in the galley, and the tongue weight was still good.

If you are wary of moving you axle (like I was), then just be mindful of how you load your finished trailer. I just got a front platform for mine and will be carrying my 10x10 canopy and camp chairs up on the tongue. I'd rather have a balanced trailer that I can vary the tongue weight by loading it differently, than a trailer that when finished has a tongue weight way too heavy and cant be compensated for. Just my $0.02.

I believe the people who have moved their axles back, have moved it 8-12", but don't quote me on that.