Swing tongue on aluminum trailer????

I bought a northland ATT trailer and would like to stand it on end in my garage for storage. To do this properly, I would need to add a swing tongue to clear the ceiling. Trailer is 12′, ceiling is a hair over 10′. Can aluminum handle the stress of the swing tongue?

Thanks

I dont see why not ,since the kit comes with inside reinforcement plates.

JMHO Jeff

I would ask the trailer mfg.

I’m not exactly sure, but you have to remember that aluminum square tubing/angle is more brittle than steel and is prone to cracking(especially spider web cracking) at stress points. Where steel is more maluable, if you will, and flexes more with stress.

An example would be taking a piece of angle and bending it: Even with some mild heat at a certain point aluminum will crack. Steel will keep on bending!

I would have it done at a aluminum welding shop and have them reinforce the pivot hole and pin hole with a sleeve welded in, and a squarebacker welded around those on the tops and bottoms of the tounge. You can never be too sturdy in my opinion! I hope this all makes sense!

Although there’s some good advice above, it boils down the what the manufacture approves in modifications.

If there’s an accident with personal injury, your written directions from the manufacturer will “help” save your butt.

Thats why I like you Brian. Your always watching peoples butts.
DT

X2 on putting a sleeve inside the tongue. That way when you tighten the bolts down for the swing it won’t crush the tongue tubing.
DT

Why not just stand the trailer on its side? That way its only 8′ high instead of 10′.And there is no need for modifications.

Tryed that, but the wheels & fenders come into play against the wall and floor while tipping it up. Made some stands for it to rest on. I guess more engineering will be required