Need Advice on Trailer Tongue Option

[Anonymous-0]

I am going to be purchasing a small utility trailer soon. The trailer I’m considering comes with an option for an A-Frame Tongue or a Straight Tongue. Is one tongue option better than another? What should I consider to determine which tongue option would work best for me?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

Dale-SWMI

 

[Anonymous-0]

A-frame would be stronger (all being equal).

 

[ericlb]

dave, a A frame style tounge is stronger than a straight type, you don't say how big the trailer is or what your going to do with it, if its a small utility trailer like a 8 or 10 footer it wont make any difference if its larger, or if your going to haul something heavy in it, go for the A frame style, besides, the A frame style makes a handy spot for a small box to store straps, binders, chains ect.

 

[Joe(TX)]

The A frame may or may not be stronger. It may be weaker as far as tounge load goes. The A frame would likley be stonger side to side and tie into the frame better.
Turning clearance is normally better with a straight tounge, provided it is not too short as is in the case of most trailers.

 

[Texasmark]

An A frame, by geometry, is diagonally braced. Diagonal bracing is necessary to stabilize most any x,y (height,width) structure.

On a trailer the A frame could allow for more strength/stability while allowing for lighter material and it doesn't take much of a diagnonal brace to work.....like on a barn with a 12' cieling and poles spaced 10' apart a X made from 2 .050" by 1.5" straps on each of the 4 sides makes it solid as a rock where otherwise it rocked back and forth when you push on it.

So, It depends on those specific trailers as to which is better; difference depending primarily on materials used and method of fastening.

Mark

 

[moonlite 37]

The previous response ic correct although the A type gives more economical use of materials. Ratio of weight and strength. Tongue length hould be half width of trailer or pulling wehicle whichever is greater plus 8 inches.

 

[Chances R]

The A frame would have better load support for the front of the bed of the trailer.

 

[Texasmark]

Certainly agree with that comment. I have had a couple of trailers over the years that were just impossible to back up so I just extended the tongue. Solved the problem nicely.

There is a relationship between the wheel base of the towing vehicle and the distance from the hitch to the trailer axle. As the latter gets smaller with respect to the former, the ability to back up goes from possible to impossible.

While we are on the subject, try backing up a cotton trailer. Ha! Impossible. That's why you saw those big empty lots at cotton gins.....had to pull in and pull out.

Mark