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Old 10-05-2016, 09:24 AM   #19
LIforrelaxin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodsy View Post
IMHO... you leave yourself open to serious litigation should an accident occur. The burden of proof would be on you to prove your modification of the existing trailer (shortening the tongue by 14.00") was not a factor in the accident. The reason trailers are the length they are is because of balance vs load weight. Where the weight sits on a trailer is beyond critical. Shortening the OAL of the trailer by 14" effects the weight the trailer can carry safely. I could co on an on about the engineering behind it.

If it were me, I would keep the hinge but add the 14" back in.


Woodsy
While I agree with what Woodsy is saying and understand all the engineering involved.... I am not sure that this modification opens you up to any more or any less litigation....

But What this modification does to is likely change the fulcrum point and change you tongue weight.

You have also changed the overall length and effected the turning radius....

You will now have to back you tow vehicle further down the ramp...

etc. etc....

While the unit now fits in your garage, you have altered many other aspects importance to the usability of the trailer.....
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