mike92105 wrote:
I'm getting a sailboat (22') ready for trailering, last time out I seem to
remember getting my exhaust under water more than once. Hence I'm looking at
getting a hitch extension. I've seen only 2 choices so far 4' or 18", it
seems to me that 18" is too short and I'm worried that 4' might be too long,
any suggestions? For what it's worth I have a 4x4 Jeep Wagoneer now, but
it's an '88, don't know if it will be replaced by another 4x4 down the road.


I would not consider extending the vehicle end of the business. You
want an extendable tongue on the trailer. If you think about the
geometery you will see why.

My tongue extension was welded up by a friend using 4" square tubing
recycled scrap sliding through three short 4-1/2 " square tubing
bits welded to the trailer frame. As my trailer is a flat bed made
from a mobile home, I ended up with an odd arrangement where the
tube extends beneath the regular hitch and uses another hitch
coupler which bolts on finger tight and is removed to stow the
extension so as to eliminate interference problems. The extension
is held in position by a drop in pin and binds a bit when the boat
is on the trailer, 'cause it was welded up when the boat was off,
but a gob of grease once a year helps, as does a whack with a hammer
at one critical point.

It is on centre, but need not be, looking after the fact.

You may be able to do it more simply. Mine is 12 feet long, which I
need 'cause its a 29' boat. Keeps the truck dry. Works good. Cost
about 75 bucks all together.

Terry K