I am having a trailer built for my 26’ Shamrock. Because it has an inboard and keel which runs half the length of the boat the trailer has to be built to hold the boat high for rudder and keel clearance off the ground and the trailer axels. As a result the stern of the boat sits on the trailer 40” off the ground. This can obviously result in launching problems at low tide or places like lake Mead which is down about 20’ now. The trailer manufacturer said that the solution is a tongue extension. It consists of very heavy 5 foot long steel tube (3” square) which is carried on the side of the trailer and when the boat is launched or retrieved, the tube is slid forward into brackets on the front of the trailer, and locked in place with a pin. The leading edge of it has a hitch receiver which then mounts onto the ball on the vehicle. It adds 4-5 feet of length to the trailer to allow it to be backed into the water without dunking the tow vehicle. My question: has anyone used one of these trailer tongue extensions and what were your experiences. And if this is not the way to go, what are the alternatives?
Thanks

1st let me say I've never used one.
I have heard very little good about them, and what I have heard good about them is that the concept is good/great, but the execution usually leaves you wishing it had been yours(the execution, that is).
In other words don't buy it until you've seen someone elses in action, preferably atleast twice, and including riding in the tow vehicle on the Freeway.
I've heard they do everything from rattle and chip paint/Galvanizing off(believable) to cause on freeway porpoising(maybe, but more likely due to misloading) to coming off and causing an accident(owner stupidity).
Rather than get one of these for his Sailboat, 15 or so years ago, my Dad got a fixed extension welded into place and because it was
re-engineered right to start with it was very good. ( if this isn't re-engineered right it can cause big time Porpoising and fishtailing.)
I hope this helps.

Tight lines,
Wade

Tight lines,
Wade