Can I Extend My Hitch Without Using TorkLift Hitch and SuperTruss Extension

Question:

I have a 09 Ford F250 4x4 truck with a Ford factory receiver setup 2x2. I have a 2017 Palomino 1251 truck bed camper. I want to tow a Loadrunner model # ILRDCC20TA2 Enclosed car Trailer GVWR 7000lbs, Curb weight 3123 lbs, GAWR 3500. Uses 2 5/16 ball. When the camper is in position and tied down the back end sticks out approximately 15inch from the truck hitch. I need to extend to this distance in order to tow the trailer, what do you suggest other than the entire torklift setup. It seems to me that I am extremely close to a standard hitch setup based on some of your dimension As an aside the truck has beefed up suspension 1 ton capacity and the trailer carries a classic British Car, Austin Healey which is relatively small and light in weight all things considered. Really appreciate your insights on this when you have the time.

asked by: Tim M

Expert Reply:

The only other extension option we carry besides the Torklift SuperTruss extender that does not cut your tongue weight in half is an extra long ball mount. Traditional extensions such as part # C45796 cut the tongue weight capacity of the hitch on the truck in half because it creates extra leverage and movement in your towing setup. The only extra long ball mount we offer that is long enough for your setup is the Hidden Hitch ball mount part # BM20 at 13-1/4 inches long.

That length is measured from the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole. You want to make sure you are measuring from the center of the hitch pin hole on the hitch out past the camper for an accurate measurement of clearance. Even though the ball mount does not cut your tongue weight in half, it is rated for 10,000 lbs. You would not be able to exceed 1,000 lbs of loaded weight in the trailer if you use the ball mount. I recommend the 2-5/16 inch diameter ball with a 1 inch shank to fit the ball mount part # C40007.

The option that gives you the most extension without lowering your capacity is the TorkLift Hitch part # TLF1002 and TorkLift SuperTruss extension part # TLE1521 at 21 inches long. The 21 inches gives you more than enough distance between the truck bed camper and the enclosed car trailer. The Torklift extension is the safest way to extend your towing setup because it is designed with lateral support chains that connect the hitch and the extension on either side to provide extra support so it does not bounce around as much as a traditional extension does.