Holes in trailer tongue

Richard from SE AZ · Nov 19, 2010

The 16' car hauler I use to transport my 2N has never had a spare tire mounted on it. I have had to leave it a couple of times to get a flat fixed. I have fabricated a mount to install on the tongue.my question, will it weaken the tongue if I drill two holes in the angled part of the tongue frame to hold the unit?? The holes will be 3/4" offset on the verticle.

Coloken · Nov 19, 2010

Holes don't usually weaken a beam very much. Just not close to the edge or in line. That is if they are a small percentage of the width.

old · Nov 19, 2010

I do it the easy way, no holes included. You simply make a mount that in turn bolts to the rail either on the side or on the tongue. Right in front of the fender on the side on the rail works well and keeps it out of the way plus no holes needed. Works pretty much the same as the spare tire carrier I have on my truck which has it in front of the radiator

Hendrik · Nov 19, 2010

In our country (The Netherlands) it is prohibited to drill holes in or to weld parts to load bearing parts of an approved trailer. So, every add on is attached with U bolts or similar clamping devices.
HTH, Hendrik

john in la · Nov 19, 2010

It will not only weaken the frame it is against the law to drill or weld to the horizontal side of frame channel iron..
All holes and/or welds need to be put in the long side of the channel iron. In other words the vertical side.

bc · Nov 19, 2010

A couple 3/8" bolts will be plenty. 3/4" is overkill for a spare tire.

36 Coupe · Nov 21, 2010

Any hole will weaken the tongue.use clamp on only.

36 Coupe · Nov 23, 2010

Every break Ive seen starts at a hole in tubing or channel.

Holes in trailer tongue

Richard from SE AZ

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Coloken

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old

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Hendrik

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john in la

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bc

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36 Coupe

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36 Coupe

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