Hitch Extender for a 2007 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Short Bed Towing a Horse Trailer

Question:

I have a 2007 Chev 2500 HD, short bed, I have a truck camper that i keep tailgate down when using the camper, I tow a 3 horse trailer , hauling 2 horses, 3 times a year. I currently use a 14inch extension, It rides level, but thinking i need something more.

asked by: Donna W

Expert Reply:

When you use a hitch extension in a 2 inch or 1-1/4 inch receiver it will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent. But if you have a 2-1/2 inch receiver the tongue weight capacity is not reduced but usually the capacity of he extension is lower than the hitch so you would go by the lower rating.

If you have a 2-1/2 inch receiver opening you can use the Titan extender # RP45292 at the 24 inch length. That will give you a capacity of 6,000 pounds; 8,000 when using weight distribution. Two horses and the trailer combined could weigh more than the 6,000 pounds so you would need to verify the gross trailer weight first.

Another option is to install a different hitch on your truck. If your 2007 Chevy Silverado 2500 is the new body style and a short bed you could use TorkLift hitch # TLC1206. If your 2007 is the old body style then you would use # TLC1204 for a short bed.

What is special about these hitches is the dual receivers allowing you to use a SuperTruss extension such as the 21 inch long # TLE1521 rated for 7,500 pounds; 14,000 pounds when used with weight distribution.

If you have a 2 inch receiver opening we do have some extenders but like I mentioned the tongue weight capacity would be reduced by 50 percent. We have an 18 inch extension, # C45796, but it is rated up to 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight. Extension # ST18 is also 18 inches long but has a step and is rated for 3,500 pounds.