How To Install A Folding Swing Tongue

For boat owners and trailer enthusiasts, the ability to store your rig indoors can be a game-changer. Whether it’s protecting your boat from harsh weather or simply making better use of limited space, shortening your trailer by just a few inches can mean the difference between fitting it inside your garage and leaving it exposed outside. One practical solution to this problem is installing a folding swing tongue. This modification allows you to reduce the overall length of your trailer when it’s not in use, offering flexibility and convenience without the need for an expensive new trailer. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing a folding swing tongue, covering everything from why it’s beneficial to the step-by-step installation process, tools required, and key considerations to ensure a safe and effective setup.

Why Install a Folding Swing Tongue?

Trailers, especially those designed for boats, can sometimes be just a bit too long to fit comfortably in a standard garage or storage space. Leaving your boat outside exposes it to the elements—rain, snow, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations—all of which can degrade its condition over time. A folding swing tongue addresses this issue by allowing you to temporarily shorten the trailer’s length. By removing a single pin, the tongue can either fold to the side or be detached entirely, reducing the trailer’s footprint by as much as two feet. This small adjustment can be the key to sliding your rig into a tight space, such as a garage with a closed door.

Many modern trailers come equipped with swing tongues as a standard or optional feature. However, if your trailer lacks this capability, retrofitting it with an aftermarket kit is a viable and affordable option. Companies like Fulton offer kits designed specifically for this purpose, with prices ranging from approximately $70 for smaller models to over $120 for larger, heavy-duty versions. These kits are user-friendly and can typically be installed in a few hours with basic tools you likely already own. The result is a practical, cost-effective upgrade that enhances your trailer’s versatility without breaking the bank.

Understanding Trailer Swing Tongue Kits

Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to understand what a folding swing tongue kit entails. These kits are designed to replace or modify a section of your trailer’s existing tongue—the part that extends forward and connects to your tow vehicle. The kit includes a hinge mechanism that allows the tongue to pivot or detach, along with the necessary hardware to secure it in place. Most kits are available in two styles: bolt-on and weld-on.

• Bolt-On Kits: These are ideal for DIY enthusiasts who lack advanced welding skills. They rely on drilling holes and securing the hinge with bolts, making them accessible to most people with basic mechanical know-how.
• Weld-On Kits: These require welding the hinge directly onto the trailer tongue. While potentially stronger, this option demands precision and expertise to avoid compromising the tongue’s structural integrity. Unless you’re a skilled welder, the bolt-on version is the safer choice.

Swing tongue kits also come in various sizes to match common trailer tongue dimensions, such as 2×3 inches, 3×3 inches, 3×4 inches, or 3×5 inches. Each kit is rated for a specific weight capacity, so selecting the right one depends on your trailer’s size and load requirements. Measuring your tongue accurately is a critical first step to ensure compatibility.

Key Components of a Swing Tongue Kit

A typical kit, such as those from Fulton, includes:

• A hinge assembly
• Bolts and nuts (often requiring a special Torx bit for installation)
• A pivot bolt to allow the tongue to swing
• A securing pin with a clip to lock the tongue in place

Some installations may also require additional parts, like a new tongue tube, extended safety chains, or a flexible brake line if your trailer has brakes. Understanding these components will help you prepare for the task ahead.

Tools and Materials Needed

To install a folding swing tongue, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Measuring tape and square: For precise measurements and marking.
• Sawzall or angle grinder: To cut the trailer tongue.
• Metal file: To smooth cut edges.
• Drill and quality drill bits: For creating bolt holes.
• Torque wrench: To tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Swing tongue kit: Sized appropriately for your trailer.
• Safety gear: Gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
• Optional: Etching primer or rust-resistant paint for cut edges, loom or protective sleeving for wiring.

If your trailer has brakes, you may also need a flexible brake line coupling and tools to bleed the brakes afterward. Having everything on hand before starting will streamline the process.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Installing a folding swing tongue is a straightforward project that most DIYers can tackle in an afternoon. Below is a detailed walkthrough of the process.

Step 1: Measure and Prepare the Trailer Tongue

Start by measuring your trailer tongue to confirm its dimensions (e.g., 3×4 inches) and ensure the kit you’ve purchased matches. Next, determine where you’ll cut the tongue to install the hinge. This spot should be far enough from the trailer frame to allow the tongue to fold without interference, but close enough to the hitch to maximize the length reduction when folded. Use a tape measure and square to mark a straight cutting line across the tongue. Double-check your measurements—this cut is permanent.

If your trailer has wiring for lights or a brake line running through the tongue, carefully pull these out of the way before cutting. Bend the tongue slightly if needed to avoid damaging them.

Step 2: Cut the Tongue

Using a Sawzall or angle grinder with a metal-cutting blade, carefully cut along the marked line. Take your time to ensure a clean, straight cut. Once complete, use a metal file to smooth the edges, removing any burrs or sharp points that could pose a hazard or interfere with the hinge fitment.

Step 3: Position and Drill Holes for the Hinge

Take the hinge from your kit and temporarily slide it over the cut ends of the tongue, aligning it so one side attaches to the trailer frame section and the other to the forward tongue section. The hinge acts as a template—use it to mark where the bolt holes need to be drilled. Remove the hinge, then drill the holes through the tongue using a drill bit sized for the bolts provided in the kit. Quality drill bits are essential here, as dull ones can struggle with the thick steel of a trailer tongue.

Step 4: Install the Hinge Bolts

With the holes drilled, reposition the hinge and secure it using the provided bolts. Tighten them with a torque wrench to the specifications outlined in the kit’s instructions—typically measured in foot-pounds. Proper torque is crucial to ensure the hinge can handle the trailer’s weight and towing stresses.

Step 5: Attach the Pivot Bolt

Install the pivot bolt through the hinge, allowing the tongue to swing freely. Tighten this bolt to the specified torque as well. Test the swing motion to confirm it moves smoothly without binding.

Step 6: Manage the Trailer Wiring

If your trailer has a lighting harness, thread it through the hinge section carefully. The harness must be long enough to reach the tow vehicle when the tongue is extended, yet flexible enough to avoid pinching when folded. Use a protective sleeve or loom where the wiring passes through the hinge to prevent wear. If the original harness is too short, you may need to splice in an extension.

Step 7: Install the Securing Pin

With the tongue in the towing position, insert the securing pin through the hinge and lock it with the provided clip. This pin keeps the tongue rigid during towing, so ensure it protrudes fully through the hinge and is firmly secured.

Step 8: Adjust Safety Chains (If Needed)

If you’ve extended the tongue or the original chains no longer reach the tow vehicle’s hitch, replace them with longer ones. Attach the chains to the tongue behind the hinge, not in front, to maintain proper tension and safety when towing.

Step 9: Test and Inspect

Extend the tongue to the towing position, secure the pin, and visually inspect all components. Check the bolts for tightness, ensure the wiring moves freely, and confirm the tongue aligns properly with the trailer frame. If your trailer has brakes, test the flexible brake line by folding and unfolding the tongue, then bleed the brakes if necessary.

Special Considerations for Trailers with Brakes

Trailers equipped with hydraulic brakes require extra attention. The brake line running through the tongue must remain functional when the tongue folds. Without a flexible hose section or coupling, folding the tongue will collapse and damage the line. Consult a trailer repair shop to source and install the appropriate brake line modification before proceeding with the swing tongue installation. After completing the setup, have a professional inspect your work to ensure safety and compliance with towing regulations.

Maintenance and Safety Tips

A folding swing tongue is a durable addition, but it requires periodic maintenance to stay reliable:

• Check Bolt Torque: Inspect and retighten the hinge bolts every few months or after heavy towing.
• Inspect for Wear: Look for cracks or fatigue in the tongue and hinge, especially if it’s exposed to saltwater or rough roads.
• Protect Cut Edges: Apply etching primer or rust-resistant paint to any exposed steel to prevent corrosion, particularly on galvanized trailers.
• Verify Pin Security: Before each tow, ensure the securing pin is fully engaged and clipped.

Comparing Swing Tongue Kits: Fulton vs. Alternatives

Fulton is a well-known name in trailer accessories, but it’s not the only option. Here’s a quick comparison based on user feedback and product specs:

For DIYers, bolt-on kits like Fulton or TTROY are the most practical. If durability is a priority and welding is an option, a custom solution might be worth the investment.

Real-World Experiences: What Users Say

Boat owners who’ve installed swing tongues often highlight the convenience of indoor storage as the biggest benefit. One user, a machinist with a galvanized trailer, installed a bolt-on kit to fit his boat into a friend’s coastal shop bay—just inches to spare. He praised the time saved not hauling his trailer over long distances, though he emphasized treating cut edges to combat saltwater corrosion. Another opted for a TTROY kit after a Fulton hinge failed, citing its sturdier construction despite the higher cost. A third had a welder craft a custom sliding tongue for $300, appreciating its rock-solid reliability.

Challenges include ensuring brake lines and wiring adapt to the folding mechanism, and some report delays in sourcing parts. Overall, satisfaction depends on choosing a kit suited to the trailer’s needs and executing a meticulous installation.

Is a Folding Swing Tongue Right for You?

If your trailer is too long for your storage space by just a foot or two, a folding swing tongue could be the perfect fix. It’s a fraction of the cost of a new trailer—often under $150—and preserves your existing setup. However, it’s not without effort. You’ll need to measure carefully, cut precisely, and account for brakes or wiring. If you’re not confident in your skills, a professional shop can handle the job for a few hundred dollars.

Conclusion

Installing a folding swing tongue is a practical upgrade that enhances your trailer’s functionality without requiring a major overhaul. With the right kit, tools, and a methodical approach, you can transform your rig to fit tight spaces, protect your boat, and simplify your towing life. Whether you choose a bolt-on Fulton kit for affordability or a custom weld for strength, the result is a trailer that adapts to your needs—proving that sometimes, a few inches make all the difference.

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Read Bow Rest for Boat Trailers: Your Ultimate Guide until we meet in the next article.