How to Replace the Tongue on a Snowmobile Trailer

Repairing your snowmobile trailer is an easy way to assure a safe season.

Snowmobiling is an enjoyable way to experience the outdoors in the winter. It is common, however, to discover your snowmobile trailer tongue (commonly referred to as the trailer coupler, the tongue is the component that directly connects the trailer to your vehicle) seized from sitting over the summer months: The internal components of the tongue rust and no longer move in the necessary way to secure the trailer to your vehicle in a safe manner. With some common tools and a replacement trailer coupler, this can be fixed with relative ease.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench(es)
• Trailer coupler

Instructions

1. Remove the current tongue coupler, using the wrenches to loosen the bolts that fasten it to the trailer. There are generally two bolts running through the coupler and trailer. If the coupler is welded on, you will want to take it to a mechanic's shop to be replaced.

2. Write down the ball size and weight capacity recorded on the coupler. Make sure to replace the coupler with one that matches these specifications; the replacement should also match the exact size and bolt hole locations.

3. Place the new trailer tongue coupler in position on the trailer, then push the bolts through the existing holes.

4. Tighten the nuts firmly.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the trailer tongue coupler for tightness after first trip.

References

• Eastern Marine: Couplers & Hitch Balls