Question

The Trailer Boat Experts

Does a trailer hitch extender work and, if so, under what circumstances would I want to have one? I ask because I launch in shallow water and want the trailer to sit farther back from my truck. G. Washburn, California, MD

G. Washburn

Answered on: 6/2005

GEORGE: I think you are referring to an extendable launching tongue, which is most often used for sailboats on trailers. Road King in Ashville, North Carolina (828-670-8012) makes them. It fits below the trailer tongue and can be "extended" when launching at the boat ramp. MIKE: Is it a hitch extender or a tongue extender? Either way, it will definitely accomplish what you are looking for. The extender is a simple extension of your trailer tongue (or hitch) enabling you to back the trailer further down the ramp without having to submerge your vehicles wheels or even having to back down to the slime line where your tires lose valuable pulling traction. The extension does require some extra time and effort at the ramp, as it is a temporary piece that you do not keep in place when trailering on the road.

The Trailer Boat Expert: Mike and George