Will Extending a Swing Away Trailer Tongue Make It Easier To Maneuver a Boat Trailer in Reverse?

Updated 04/17/2023 | Published 04/15/2023

Question:

I have a boat trailer that has a short swing away tongue on it. I was wondering if I could add an extension to the hitch to make it a bit longer? would 18” extension make a difference for backing the trailer? This is for a boat trailer

asked by: Jim F

Expert Reply:

Yes, if you were to extend your trailer tongue 18" it would make steering your trailer easier in reverse. It can be difficult to steer shorter trailers as they can quickly steer so far you can not correct it without pulling back forward to straighten out the trailer. Something that can really help you is using CE Smith Post-Style Guide-Ons with LED Lights # CE27740 on your trailer. These allow you to more easily see where the trailer is and stay ahead of it while you are steering.

In my experience the more you practice with steering short trailers the easier it will become for you as you will be able to better anticipate how the trailer is going to turn. Large open parking lots are great as you can use the parking space lines to create obstacles for you to steer around.

If you do decide to extend the tongue you will need to find a longer piece of steel trailer tongue to replace your short tongue. You will also likely need to extend your 4-Way Wiring # HM47004 along with any surge brake brake lines depending on your trailer.

expert reply by: Bud M