I switched vehicles recently and when I went to put the boat in this season (late as ussual) I had to back the Ford Explorer into the water to the point where the rear wheels were half submerged and the tailpipe was blowing bubbles. I want to extend the tongue of the trailer by 3 feet to give me the launch length I need. I am inclined to go hard weld permanent, but I have seen plans for a swing away extension. Any comments as to the pros and cons of the swing away extension? or the permanent vs swing away debate? Thanks Richard
- Status
Seen this before
There used to be a company called Luger boats which sold trailers and kits. One version was a trailer with a series of extensions that could be used at the launch ramp, but removed later. These extensions were like a total of 20 feet, so that you could get a keel boat into the water. That system seemed like it would work pretty good. ajp
There used to be a company called Luger boats which sold trailers and kits. One version was a trailer with a series of extensions that could be used at the launch ramp, but removed later. These extensions were like a total of 20 feet, so that you could get a keel boat into the water. That system seemed like it would work pretty good. ajp
I Would Go With an Extension
A longer trailer is going to be harder to manuver in tight spots. It is going to take up more room wherever you store it. A longer trailer has a greater moment to push the tow vehicle around. A six foot extension would get you off of most ramps with no problem.
A longer trailer is going to be harder to manuver in tight spots. It is going to take up more room wherever you store it. A longer trailer has a greater moment to push the tow vehicle around. A six foot extension would get you off of most ramps with no problem.
Sounds like you really don't need too much
to get the tailpipe out at least, if you are using receiver hitch with short extension you can get longer ones. I have one about a foot long for use when camper is on the truck for the overhang. There are also some extensions you could add just prior to launch even longer.
to get the tailpipe out at least, if you are using receiver hitch with short extension you can get longer ones. I have one about a foot long for use when camper is on the truck for the overhang. There are also some extensions you could add just prior to launch even longer.
Extend-a-hitch
Hello, When I had a C22 and trailered frequently, I bought a hitch extender from this place: http://extendahitch.com/ I needed a 10' extension, and it worked great. That said, how often do you trailer? If it is every time you sail, then I recommend the extend a hitch. If you only trailer to dunk the boat in the spring and haul out in the fall I wouldn't bother, I would just tie a strong line from the vehicle to the trailer and use that. I did that the first few times and it worked OK, but for frequent launching that's not the way to go. Good luck, Barry
Hello, When I had a C22 and trailered frequently, I bought a hitch extender from this place: http://extendahitch.com/ I needed a 10' extension, and it worked great. That said, how often do you trailer? If it is every time you sail, then I recommend the extend a hitch. If you only trailer to dunk the boat in the spring and haul out in the fall I wouldn't bother, I would just tie a strong line from the vehicle to the trailer and use that. I did that the first few times and it worked OK, but for frequent launching that's not the way to go. Good luck, Barry
I suggest welding
If you know someone who welds this is not a hard job at all. In addition it may allow you to do some things like; -add a 2" hitch if you want -add a vertical extension to run a cable or sheet over to raise the mast without an A frame on your boat. -add a spare tire rack -add steps to the side of your trailer for easy entry/exit. -add a toolbox to your trailer for items you dont want on your boat. (spare fuel tank, grease gun, etc...) Just a suggestion
If you know someone who welds this is not a hard job at all. In addition it may allow you to do some things like; -add a 2" hitch if you want -add a vertical extension to run a cable or sheet over to raise the mast without an A frame on your boat. -add a spare tire rack -add steps to the side of your trailer for easy entry/exit. -add a toolbox to your trailer for items you dont want on your boat. (spare fuel tank, grease gun, etc...) Just a suggestion
I made an extender for my vehicle
I had a similar problem with my Dodge van and my O'Day 25 CB model. I could tow it fine, but couldn't successfully pull it out of the water. After asking a question similar to yours, it was recommended I make an extension for the vehicle, rather than the trailer. I bought a two 5' sections of box steel, one that would fit inside the other. When I need the extension, I put the trailer on its wheel jack, and insert the smaller 5' extension into my van's receiver. I then connect the larger extension onto the smaller one (it has holes to put in a pin to connect them). Finally, I put the hitch receiver inside the larger extension. I then have a hitch that extends almost 10' from the back of my van. It's very easy to back the trailer into the water at this point, and since pulling it out is is almost always a straight run, I have had no problems with it. It's worked every time, at least so far, and I've been very satisfied with the results. After pulling the boat out of the water, I chock the wheels, remove the extensions, and hook up like normal.
I had a similar problem with my Dodge van and my O'Day 25 CB model. I could tow it fine, but couldn't successfully pull it out of the water. After asking a question similar to yours, it was recommended I make an extension for the vehicle, rather than the trailer. I bought a two 5' sections of box steel, one that would fit inside the other. When I need the extension, I put the trailer on its wheel jack, and insert the smaller 5' extension into my van's receiver. I then connect the larger extension onto the smaller one (it has holes to put in a pin to connect them). Finally, I put the hitch receiver inside the larger extension. I then have a hitch that extends almost 10' from the back of my van. It's very easy to back the trailer into the water at this point, and since pulling it out is is almost always a straight run, I have had no problems with it. It's worked every time, at least so far, and I've been very satisfied with the results. After pulling the boat out of the water, I chock the wheels, remove the extensions, and hook up like normal.
Don't forget safety chains!
Just a heads up. I saw someone launch their boat this spring with a separate extension. It worked well until it came off of the ball. Luckily he had the forethought to install safety chains on the extension as well.
Just a heads up. I saw someone launch their boat this spring with a separate extension. It worked well until it came off of the ball. Luckily he had the forethought to install safety chains on the extension as well.
Check out ours - just what you need
We lost a vehicle into the drink. Came home and told our mechanic to do something. He came up with this. Actually I don't think he came up with it, but he welded it all together. Works like a champ. Click on the link
We lost a vehicle into the drink. Came home and told our mechanic to do something. He came up with this. Actually I don't think he came up with it, but he welded it all together. Works like a champ. Click on the link
- Status