Telescoping trailer tongue

[Scoutman]

For those who've built their own trailers and incorporated a telescoping trailer tongue, do you use it? Is it worth it? Would it be better to just set the length, weld it solid, and be done with it? Did you use 2.5" in a 3" tube or did you use 2" in a 2.5" tube?

I'm working out the design of my trailer and getting materials over time and I am needing to make a call on whether to weld the tongue up solid or to try and add the telescoping feature so I get the right parts now.

I am planning a simple box trailer for hauling the things that my truck camper cannot. It will be pulled either with my wife's 4 door JK Rubicon, or my 1 ton Dodge Ram with camper.

There will probably be a storage box and maybe propane/jerry cans on the front of the box.

My only thought for making it adjustable is to adjust for the different vehicles. I want the tongue to be long enough to clear the rear swing gate of the JK with all the gear on the tongue, clear the tailgate on the truck, and jack knife for either vehicle. I think I can do all that with one length but wanted to see what others thought.

 

[Chazz Layne]

My only thought for making it adjustable is to adjust for the different vehicles. I want the tongue to be long enough to clear the rear swing gate of the JK with all the gear on the tongue, clear the tailgate on the truck, and jack knife for either vehicle. I think I can do all that with one length but wanted to see what others thought.

I agree, you can most likely accomplish that with one solid length. It'll probably be right around that "proper" length for the trailer anyhow (same length as the wheelbase).

The only reason I'm considering adding one to my build is the trailer's current (perfect) length would put the canoe right through my rear window... :elkgrin:

 

[Borrego60]

I would go with the industry standard tube what ever that might be, So you could swap it out to another trailer in needed,Just a thought.

 

[Scoutman]

I am not aware of any industry standard dimension for the tongue tube. The couplers that I saw could be mounted to a 2", 2.5", or 3" tube and I'm sure there are others. I bought the 2.5" and now need to buy the 2.5" tongue tube that it'll attach to. I hadn't given much thought to carrying a canoe. I have a 17' and dad has one that's shorter.

I need to grab a tape measure and run some numbers.

If anyone has any picts that would be great too..

 

[evldave]

Here's some pics of mine...







I did this so I can remove the hitch and the trailer takes up less space + I can make tighter turns while offroad. I generally drive w/the tongue extended (it extends about 30") because it tows better and backs up better.

Another advantage of removeable tongue is security...harder to steal w/o a hitch.

In the future, if I want I can simply by a longer piece of extension tube and make an even longer tongue.

I used 2.5x2.5 0.25" wall (specific for tow hitch) and then welded an extra lip around the edge to prevent flaring. For the extension, 2x2x0.25".