Trailer tongues

[Dave H (MI)]

I scrounged these four tongues out of the auction stuff tonight. I would like to use one of them to make a new tongue for our 4x8 utility trailer if possible. The two older ones on the right are NOT candidates. The far right one works and is a nifty ancient version of the current flip up ones you buy at any hardware. Second in from the right is scrap. The two left hand ones are of interest. The ratcheting one works fine but I have not found out how you are supposed to release the ratchet. I used pliers to hold down the flat spring and then turned it back. Way to hard. The one with the dial type handle looks like my best bet. Are these any good? Anyone know what the little lever next to the dial does (it is not obvious to me)? If they are junk just tell me and I will go get a new one.

 

[tinyy]

The one on the left that you tighten down. That is what is on a trailer I own. I have no complants about it.

 

[john *.?-!.* cub owner]

(quoted from post at 19:47:25 10/13/07) The one on the left that you tighten down. That is what is on a trailer I own. I have no complants about it.

nd push the metal tab down to allow you to loosen it.

 

[tinyy]

Nope just turn the handle till tight and go unless you are unhooking

 

[suptscottyb]

I believe the one on the far left has some type of ratchet or cam for the keeper to lock on and I always been afraid the little keeper might break and let her go... Maybe I'm nuts, I would go with the nut and bolt job(silver)next to it. So long as you are not pulling a real heavy load....

 

[Yugrotcart]

Peronally, I'd spend the $20 and buy a new one, gotta be safe.

Paul

 

[Anonymous-0]

Been there, have that one on the left on a trailer. Been using it for 38 years and grumbling every time I hitch or unhitch. Go to wallyworld and spend $16 on a new lever operated hitch. Its a better fit, more secure and a whole lot easier to unhitch when you decide to unhitch and it has a hole for a padlock so you can stuff in a ball with the stud cut off to slow down trailer thieves when its parked and lock it on the tow vehicle on the road to keep it more secure from vibration and sticky fingers.

Gerald J.