We had the bolt-on style on our trailer and like you anticipate, we removed it, leaving the holes. I put the bolts back in the holes, which looked better than the holes. The clamp-on style trunnion will work just fine as long as there are not obstructions on the inside of the frame in the area where it must be placed. As far as keeping your trailer tongue in pristine condition upon removal, be aware that two steel surfaces mated together out in the weather will cause excessive rusting over time.