Can The Tongue On The Malone MicroSport Trailer Be Shortened By Just A Few Inches?

Updated 04/10/2025 | Published 04/06/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Malone MicroSport Trailer - 78" Crossbars - 800 lbs

(112)

$1979.10

Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit for 2" x 3" Trailer Tongue - Bolt On - Up to 5,000 lbs

(1031)

$129.68

Retractable Tongue Kit for Malone MicroSport Trailers

(16)

$197.10

Question:

I have the MPG460G trailer since 2019, and carry only one Hobie outback kayak. Can I cut the tongue shorter by about 4 or 5 inches as it is longer than needed. If the answer is to use the MPG494 retractable tongue, can it be set at a specific length for towing?

asked by: Keith

Expert Reply:

Hello Keith, thanks for reaching out. Cutting the tongue on your Malone # MPG460G trailer is an option if you are wanting to shorten the tongue only a few inches. You could un-bolt the coupler and disconnect the wiring and have a section of tongue cut off, then reconnect the wiring and bolt the coupler back on. A few holes would need to be drilled in the tongue for this to work.

Or you could use a Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit # FHDPB230101 if you need to shorten the tongue for storage purposes.

As far as the # MPG494 Retractable Tongue Kit, it shortens the tongue by 61" and there would be no settings in between. It is designed to be used in only one configuration.

I hope this helps. Feel free to reach out with any other questions or comments and I am happy to get back to you.

expert reply by: Jesse M

MPG494 Retractable Tongue Kit
(click to enlarge)

Keith

4/10/2025

Thank you Jesse for replying back to my question. You mention the option Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit FHDPB230101, which sounds like the option I would want, however my tongue is 2x3, but the tongue thickness is .100 which is outside of the specs of .188 to .120 Would this fold away coupler kit still work or am I SOL.

Jesse M.

4/10/2025

@Keith Oh ok thanks for lettin me know. I was not aware of the tongue thickness on that Malone trailer. In that case I would not recommend using the fold away hinge kit. You would be risking damaging the tongue since the material is not thick enough.