trailer tongue extension

[birdgod]

I bought a small trailer from harbor freight to convert it to carry my two kayaks. the tongue of the trailer is a little short, i would like to extend it. do any one know where can i get a long beam for that? i check on some tongue extension on line but it cost too much. I am looking for a cheap way yo do it. thanks

[tpenfield]

http://www.championtrailers.com

Under structural metals . . . Galv. Box tube . . . or you might only need the plain metal square tube.

[birdgod]

holly cow, it cost more then what i pay for the trailer. I am looking for something in the $20-$30 range, don't have to look nice.

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

There should be a steel supply house near by. Check the yellow pages.

[Chip Chester]

birdgod, folks are recommending solutions for trailers made from structural steel, as almost all boat trailers are. A Harbor Freight trailer is made from folded sheet metal, to achieve a certain price point and shipping weight. Doesn't make it a bad trailer, just not a 'real' boat trailer. That's why the recommendations are more expensive than you wish.

Although your load is very light, you should carefully consider your steps here. Modifying the trailer shifts all the responsibility for any future issues from HF to you. So if your modification gives way and spears a van full of Girl Scouts, HF will say, "Umm, we didn't sell it that way, not our problem" and you'll be on your own. Just sayin'.

If the trailer needs to be farther away from the tow vehicle, you might consider a trailer hitch (receiver) extension instead. They're normally available in 12" and 18" lengths, and attach to the hitch before the ball mount. Using these extensions degrades your allowable tongue weight, but a HF trailer with two kayaks on it won't present any problem there. You might have to extend your wiring harness on the trailer, too... but there are pre-made solutions for that as well.

Good luck and be safe.

Chip

[rickryder]

+1 on the steel yard....check the yellow pages

[birdgod]

There should be a steel supply house near by. Check the yellow pages.

Thanks

[kenmyfam]

Go to a local fabricating shop and ask for a suitable offcut. Quite often you will get a piece for free or just a few bucks.