Hitch Extender to Allow Rear Door Clearance on 2018 Ford Transit Van

Updated 03/05/2020 | Published 03/04/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(646)

$69.43

Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 14" Long

(350)

$117.74

Brophy Hitch Extender with Step - 2" Hitches - 18" Long - 6-1/2" x 17" Platform

(12)

$168.95

Question:

I drive a 2018 Ford transit cargo van. I currently tow a 2015 r pod 178. With the current hitch I am unable to open the back doors of the van which is a big problem. Is there a hitch extender and a 4 to 6 inch riser available that would fix this issue? Thanks for your help in ing the correct product!

asked by: Denis K

Expert Reply:

How much extension were you needing? The Curt # C45791 extender you'd looked at has an 8 inch extension. For greater clearance, a 14 inch extension is available as part # HE12 or # ST18 for 18 inches.

Using a hitch extender moves the tongue weight load further rearward from the trailer, which increases the leverage placed upon the hitch. Because of this, using an extender will lower the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by one third to one half. The product description for each item I mentioned above will list the actual reduction.

Any of the riser adapters we offer are for flat towing a vehicle, only and would work for towing a trailer. Plus, a riser that would place your trailer out of level isn't recommended as a trailer that isn't towed level can have dangerous sway.

I've linked to product description videos for a few of the extenders I recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L