How to Figure Weight Capacity When Using a Hitch Extender or Extra Long Ball Mount

Updated 06/20/2012 | Published 06/18/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long

(244)

$48.97

Draw-Tite Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 1" Rise, 2" Drop - 12" Long - 12,000 lbs

(3422)

$60.61

Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 13-1/4" Long - 10K

(276)

$85.39

Question:

how much weight can i pull with a hitch extender? i have a 6 1/2 ft bed with a slide in camper, im pulling a car hauler 2 axel trailer. will i be ok to do this?? the truck is set up to pull 12500 with stock hitch. thanks

asked by: RICH

Expert Reply:

One thing to note when using a hitch extender like the etrailer, # e88YR, is that the tongue weight and towing capacity of your trailer hitch will be reduced by 50 percent due to the increased leverage that is placed on your trailer hitch from your trailer.

In your situation, even with the towing capacities of your hitch capacities reduced by 50 percent, you are still limited to the 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight capacity and 350 lbs tongue weight capacity of the hitch extender. I have attached an article on hitch extenders for you to check out.

Instead, I would recommend looking at one of our extra long ball mounts like the Brophy Ball Mount, # BM20. This ball mount measures 13-1/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole. This ball mount does not reduce the capacity of your hitch, but you will be limited to the 10,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 1,000 lbs tongue weight capacities.

If you did not need a ball mount that long you could look at the Draw-Tite Ball Mount, # 4284. This ball mount measures 12 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole, but comes with a 12,000 lb gross trailer weight and a 1,200 tongue weight capacity.

I have attached a link to all of our other extra long ball mounts for you to check out. The hitch pin hole to ball hole measurements can be found on the product pages.