Trailer neck length

T

TA Smith

Active member
I am wondering to the advantages or disadvantages to a long trailer neck. I am thinking of cutting mine down by almost 3 feet but want to make sure that the only advantage is not overall length. Also, if you have done this, is there something that could be tricky. It looks to be pretty simple, but looks can be misleading.
Thank you for your input- Tom
 
Tom -

I try not to cut them down unless I have to.
The longer length is handy for some ramps so you don't have to back the truck into salt water.
 
A longer length will go down the highway smoother, but will not maneuver as well, both forward and reverse. Forward the trailer's inside wheel will cut the corner and catch curbs, trees and stuff easier. In reverse the longer trailer will be harder to correct when you get off course. (this is why semi trailers have adjustable wheels, so you can get the best of both). check your dimensions when cutting, make sure to leave enough length to open your tailgate and or walk between the vehicle and boat relatively easily.
 
Tom, If you are towing with a pickup, make sure you can drop the tailgate with the short tongue. I had one that wouldnt let me do that, big pain in the xxx. Rich
 
I ordered my last trailer 2' longer. I find it easier to control the thing while backing, can drop the tailgate and not worry about hitting the winch post with the tailgate in tight turns, and if I later decide to get a longer boat...I can keep the old trailer.
 
For me the longer distance between hitch and trailer wheels seems easier to back up and helps keep the towing vehicle wheels out of the muck at soft ramps. Longer trailer is easier to see while driving but may block more view. As others have mentioned, if you cut it down this may reduce the length of boats you can put on it, tongue weight and there's the winch/tailgate issue. The advantages that come to mind are easier to turn around in tight space and takes less storage space.
 
I ordered my last trailer 2' longer. I find it easier to control the thing while backing, can drop the tailgate and not worry about hitting the winch post with the tailgate in tight turns, and if I later decide to get a longer boat...I can keep the old trailer.
Click to expand...

Same here. I had my last two trailers configured with extra long tongues for those reasons.

If you need to shorten your trailer for storage, consider a swing away tongue.
 
My trailer has a long tongue so I put a Fulton swing away hinge on it and got on extra 3' of storage in my garage
 
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