Trailer tongue length?

Dwight Harley

Dwight Harley

Well-known member
I am reconfiguring a trailer for a 15' kayak. I want to shorten the tongue a bit so it fits in my garage better. I am wondering how long should a trailer tongue be for stability, a margin of clearance for turning and for easy backing?
 
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I'm no expert, however, I think there are a couple factors to consider. It has to be long enough to not bind up with the front of the boat when turning, for starters.

I always err to the longer side. A longer trailer tracks better, is easier to back up without jackknifing so quickly, and, important to me- I have a pick up truck. I like to be able to open the tailgate while the boat us attached.

That being said, they do make tongue folding kits. That may be an option.

Just my $.02 worth. (If it's even worth that much...)

Jon
 
I had my 14' Jon on a trailer that barely fit it. My jack post was basically 12" away from my hitch. Like Jon said. Be very cautious when making turns. You could end up kissing your tailgate with the winchpost or bow. It's not a terribly ideal situation but it worked in my case. You also need to be cautious as not to throw off the tongue weight.

Having said that, my tongue on that rig was 12" and it seemed to work?
 
Dwight, tongue length isn't a problem going forward, The problem lies backing up. The shorter the axle to ball, the harder to back up. If you use mirrors, open the tail gate, or hatch so you can see the trailer in the mirror backing up. The folding tongue idea is great as the carrying weight isn't high.
I use a method taught at work for backing. Get the trailer and vehicle straight before backing. Place you hand on the bottom of the wheel, using mirrors turn the wheel you want the trailer to move. With this way you can't over correct. Placing flags or some thing on the end of the trailer also helps seeing the trailer.
 
The distance from your trailer axle to ball should be equal to, or longer than the distance between towing vehicle axles. As noted by others, longer is better as the trailer will react more slowly than the towing vehicle. I prefer a long tongue and have a fold over on mine. Saves room in the boat shop, and gives me lots of room behind the tailgate at the ramp.
 
Long as possible, and add folding tongue. I had to remove the tongue on my newer boat when I got it home so I could get it in the garage, ordered up a folding tongue kit and made it max length they recommend for safe use and boat and trailer fit in real nice now, better than the last trailer ever did. Also tows very nice and is much easier to back up, and for shallow launches also.
 
Thanks all for your comments and suggestions. I am going to go with the Fulton weld-on folding tongue hinge.
 
In Alaska a lot of the trailers have extensions on trailer may be up to 20'. Alot of places there aren't enough slips, so boats are stored in the parking lots. The folding tongues are used for storage and the large rise and fall of tides. I see 35' boats launched.
Launched at one marina, 70' of water at the end of the launch dock.
 
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