Off Road Trailer Advise

[Pops]

When wheeling does the trailer tongue length make much difference. Is a shorter tongue better than a longer tongue?
I figure I can have a static length tongue that is long enough to avoid a jackknife or an adjustable length tongue that would be short while moving forward but could be lengthened if needed while backing up. The issue with the adjustable is it cost more $$$ and adds some complexity.

 

[EricG]

Haven't had mine off road enough to say much yet. But I will say that a short trailer is a PITA to back up straight compared to a longer trailer ... that's just comparing my M416 based trailer with extended hitch to my flatbed utility trailer.

 

[CO_Hunter]

I think Eric summed it up well. While backing it up is a bit more challenging I have not found it to be a hindrance. I have found that when I do back up off road space is generally tight and a longer tongue would be more problematic.

When you are moving forward I like that the short tongue tracks very well, generally don't even have to think about it much in terms of turn radius.

 

[Pops]

I made the trailer tongue 90 inches from the axle to the hitch. This allows the trailer to turn in the same radius as the FJ40 towing it. Took the trailer out today for it's first test ride. Tows straight without any fish tailing. Looking good.

 

[CO_Hunter]

That's great Doug but

 

[EricG]

I made the trailer tongue 90 inches from the axle to the hitch. This allows the trailer to turn in the same radius as the FJ40 towing it. Took the trailer out today for it's first test ride. Tows straight without any fish tailing. Looking good.

Just shoveled out the shop and pushed my trailer in. Im right at 80" from the axle to the center of the lunette. It's 41" from the front of the box to the center of the lunette. The 80 is about 37" from the centerline to the outside edge of my bumper so I can jacknife it without hitting the box. Of course im about to screw that up with a jerry can basket...