by Photoman33770 » Tue Aug 14, 2012 7:08 am
Just as a thought. You could do the same as the people on here have done to make 4 or 5 x8 into x10. They take 2 cross pieces and bolt those to the end as extenders. In your case you do not have cross overs to move around but getting 6 foot angle at the box store extending the bed will work. A 2 foot overlap on the side rails gives you a 4 foot extension. You would need to shift the axle. ( drilling 4 holes each side). As for the tongue. There is very little weight on it depending on how far back the wheels shift and planned weight in the rear, so I am thinking get square tube the length you want. The inside diameter of 2 inches, then a pipe with outside diameter of 2 inches so it will slide inside the other. You could even use round stock if you have to, Have the larger welded on. ( check around, a welder will do that for 20 bucks ) then the smaller pipe is slid inside and using a pin slid in from the side, lock it in place. The 2 inch stock will let you mount the receiver coupler no problem. hmmm if you predrill the holes for the coupler and holding pin, you could build the whole thing, tow it to welder, unbolt the tow arm, he welds the new and you switch over the coupler and tow it home. If you look at the metal tube HF uses for the tongue you will see what wall thickness you need. Look at the larger frames in the store and you will see that they are pinned to be removed. you could do that but the coupler would need to be worked up. That would give you a full 7 feet. ( OK shorten it an inch or two to get the doors closed when the tongue is removed.
Thinking a bit more. the receiver tube could be bolted on. Extend it as far back as you want and bolt it to the cross members. At the front you would need to make a U clamp ( or just use a u clamp )to bolt it up.
ANOTHER THOUGHT If you are keeping it light weight. less than 700 lbs or so. Look at the folding 4x8. you could replace the rear tongue bolts with hitch pins and the tongue will come off. Cut 1 foot off the back and you have a 4x7 with wheels already moved to the rear by a foot. Years ago I made a food cart from one probably weighed about 800 lbs. The ply floor and sides means it will not fold. YES it is $80 bucks more but then it is all do it yourself and it holds 1100 lbs. I have a 20% off coupon that is good till the 22nd. I normally get one every month or so.