Can a trailer be converted to swing tongue easily/cheaply?

jazzwannabe · Post by **jazzwannabe** » Tue Jul 06, 2010 9:38 pm

Or would it cost about as much as buying a new one? I'm looking at an older boat, but it won't fit in my garage as is.

ASD · Post by **ASD** » Wed Jul 07, 2010 5:02 am

Yes
An it only take an hr. or two in your driveway

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... =cat601233

ash · Post by **ash** » Wed Jul 07, 2010 5:26 am

Scott have you done this mod?

I have an old 97' BassCat trailer that does NOT have a fold away tounge. I have thought several times about having one created. I have seen this bolt on deal and my thoughts are this.

I dont trust bolted on one size fits all material. If I were going to do this mod I would speak to a trailer repair place and a welder in terms of keeping the integrity and welding it so that it is strong and wont be an issue.

Fortunatly my boat goes in the garage at an angle so I have not been forced to make this mod, there is something about cutting into the trailer where I tow from that bothers me. Perhaps talk to the boat company and ask thier trailer department what they think?

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Wed Jul 07, 2010 6:46 am

I would really be concerned about retro fitting an older trailer.
When my five year old Tracker was totaled on the freeway, I got to see the inside of the tube trailer, and all the internal welds were rusted. In fact, it folded up at rusted spots.
Unless the existing tongue assembly is really in good shape, I wouldn't risk it.
Maybe have a local trailer shop check it out first.

Sacto John · Post by **Sacto John** » Wed Jul 07, 2010 7:06 am

My neighbor used the Cabelas kit on his older ski boat and has not has a problem. He has been towing his boat for two summers now without an issue. He is only a recreational boater (may 6 times a summer) so I do not know how it would hold up for a hard core fisherman.

biteme · Post by **biteme** » Wed Jul 07, 2010 7:44 am

To be safer you could always weld it on and put new square stock on the front end.

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Wed Jul 07, 2010 8:09 am

biteme wrote:To be safer you could always weld it on and put new square stock on the front end.

what I was about to say. I would take it to a welder and have them look at it.

Or how about your local tech school? I am sure the instructor would enjoy showing the guys how to weld and you get it for little $$ and done right, while providing a real world example of what they can expect to see.

ASD · Post by **ASD** » Wed Jul 07, 2010 9:27 am

Ash

Yes! Partner did it to his Nitro trailer two years ago and it works fine!

barse41 · Post by **barse41** » Wed Jul 07, 2010 9:59 am

I dont like the looks of the bolt on deal. the holes in the tubing will start to slot after alot stop&goes. If they made the same kit that wasnt coated you could weld it on and use the bolt holes for plug welds.

Jeff C. · Post by **Jeff C.** » Wed Jul 07, 2010 11:46 am

Does your trailer have surge brakes? If so, something would have to be done to make your brake line flexible, i.e., replace the metal line with a rubber piece at the swing away point. I agree with some of the others that I would call a trailer shop and get it done right.

Sacto John · Post by **Sacto John** » Wed Jul 07, 2010 1:53 pm

barse41 wrote:I dont like the looks of the bolt on deal. the holes in the tubing will start to slot after alot stop&goes. If they made the same kit that wasnt coated you could weld it on and use the bolt holes for plug welds.

They make a weld on version

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Coupler ... 30300.html