Hitch Extender to Tow a Trailer with a 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 with Truck Bed Camper  

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Expert Reply:

First you will need to determine if the trailer hitch on your 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 is a 2 inch or 2-1/2 inch. Just measure the opening width to determine the size. I am assuming that the tailgate is down and/or the camper overhangs the back of the truck thus the need for an extension.

I recommend an extension that is long enough to where the face of the receiver is flush with or a few inches recessed under the rear most part of the truck or camper, whichever extends out the furthest.

If you have a 2-1/2 inch receiver then there are a couple of options. We have the 12 inch long Brophy extender, # HR26, that could work if 12 inches will do the trick. If you need more extension then the next step up would be Titan hitch extender # RP45292 that can be 24 to 34 inches long. At the 24 inch length it has a 6,000 pound capacity and at the 34 inch length it is rated for 4,500 pounds.

If you have a 2 inch receiver then there are a lot more options, too many to list here, so I included a link to them for you. The tongue weights you list won't be a problem with any of the extenders and I imagine that neither will the gross trailer weight. But to be safe always check the capacity of the extender to make sure its capacity is high enough.

On a 2-1/2 inch hitch the tongue weight capacity of the hitch will not be reduced. but on a 2-inch hitch when using an extender, the tongue weight capacity will be reduced by 50 percent. On a hitch rated for 10,000 pounds though this reduced tongue weight capacity would not be an issue with the weights you have listed.

expert reply by: Michael H

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