How exactly is this done - trailer tongue replacement

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6890e31-508e-3c70.jpg

Got a new to me Basscat, which has a 4" frame trailer. Well, the brakes need attention starting with the hyrdraulic actuator on the tongue and working back. Haven't gotten deep into it yet to see what all needs to be replaced, but did a little research on my actuator/tongue assembly and it would be way cheaper to buy the whole assembly and just replace it. The catch comes in from the pic above. You can see that the assembly was inserted inside the frame and welded in place with an open slot behind it for the hyrdralic line and access to the master cylinder.

So, how would replacement be accomplished? Cut the whole assembly off and weld a replacement extenstion on, then weld the actuator in place, or would you try and grind the weld seam loose and then reweld the actuator in place.

Sorta dumb on a lot of things, but most especially when it comes to metal working.

Wannabe...

Looks like it's been done before. Use a die grinder with a cut off wheel. Cut the weld. Don't cut any more of the tongue. Best idea is take it to a good welding shop. Good luck, Chris.

Oh it's definitely going to a real welder to be done. I was just curious as to how it would be accomplished properly.

Wannabe...

Call basscat, they will give all needed advise

I agree with jigflinger. Cutting the weld and having it rewelded isn't too big of a deal.

Like Jigflinger said. Used to work on those on Car huller trailers when in leasing business. Real pain to try and repair. Don't cut off any more tongue.be prepared to replace brake line also, prolly gona need wheel cylinder kits to.

Thanks fellas. Was thinking about pulling the wheels and inspecting the brakes to see if they are salvageable. Last rebuild I did on the champion needed two new brake assemblies and was something like 150 a wheel. Hot to looking and I can get an entire disc kit with actuator for just north of $400. I'm thinking I'll go that direction if the brake assemblies need work as well.

The kit is a tie down brand with lever lock 60 actuator. Any thoughts on whether that's a good set up?

Wannabe...

Take a 4 inch grinder and a couple cut off wheels and cut welds at a 45 degree angle except the one vertical toward the hitch .Grind the vertical at 90 degree straight in, by doing it this way you wont lose any meat from the tongue and be able to pry the material from inside the tongue to maintain clearance for new tongue......BTW i have never had any luck with these brake systems.....Good luck...

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Originally Posted by Wannabe...

Thanks fellas. Was thinking about pulling the wheels and inspecting the brakes to see if they are salvageable. Last rebuild I did on the champion needed two new brake assemblies and was something like 150 a wheel. Hot to looking and I can get an entire disc kit with actuator for just north of $400. I'm thinking I'll go that direction if the brake assemblies need work as well.

The kit is a tie down brand with lever lock 60 actuator. Any thoughts on whether that's a good set up?

Wannabe...

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Go Kodiak.

You should be able to unbolt what needs replaced and drop it out the bottom of the coupler assembly. BUT, before you do that. Consider replacing the hyd. brakes with electric brakes. Yes, you can do that on a boat trailer. I did just that with my last basscat trailer. All that's needed is to spot weld your backup over ride latch and run wiring to your brake axle. The brake system for the change over is way cheaper than what you are looking to do. Good luck