Do you think a sawzall would be good enough to cut off my trailer tongue (3"x4"). I want to install a swing away hitch.

Yes,it would be best if the blade is long enough to cut 2 sides at one time. I cut mine with a hack saw. Most all of the swing away hitches I have seen use some type of welded connection. Will yours install without welding?

BTM

I found this one: Pacific Trailers

It looks like there is a bolt option. I figure I could bolt it then get someone to weld it for me. I called a local trailer shop today and they wand $450 to do it. I thought that was kinda pricey so I'm going to do it myself.

Looks like a great way to install without welding and made by Fulton (a mfg. of couplers for over 40 years).I worked for a Trailer mfg. co. for 16 years in the 60's and 70's. Many years ago couplers were all bolted on. Welding was done to speed production. 4 bolts (8-total and probably 1/2") will hold without welding. Also keep in mind the wiring inside the tongue when cutting. I would suggest that you use some type of lock nuts along with lock washers. I hope your project is as easy as it looks.

BTM

Chop saw. Cleaner and more square!

Justwingem
How do you hold a chop saw to cut the tongue on an existing trailer?

BTM

Have you tried installing a large cutting/grinding disk onto a Skillsaw! I have used carbide cutting blades on my skillsaw to cut aluminum and have seen others use the disk to cut metal.

My guess would to use 2 big C-clamp and clamp the chopsaw to the tongue and cut away. Not a bad idea.... much cleaner and straighter cut.

Do you know anyone with a Plasma cutter? They cut real neat if you have a steady hand or if you use a clamp-on guide.

I have one, Come down to Copperas Cove and I'll cut it for you!! Shoot, if you make the long drive down here, I'll do the job for FREE!!

Use a porta-bandsaw, cuts through metal the best. Straight and clean, unlike a sawzall, and is portable unlike a chop saw.

BTM, I have a Milwaukee Deep Cut portable band saw. It will cut 4-1/2" square tube. You should mark the piece to be cut with a square on all 4 sides. I could cut it for you in a day or 2. I've made a million cuts with these. It helps if you have experience.

I don't know what your boat weighs, but I would weld the tongue on.

Artie

I have cut trailer tongues using a circular saw with a metal cutting blade. Works well and makes a clean cut.

Be sure to get your wiring out of the tongue before you start cutting.