How to Determine if a Hitch Extender Can Be Used While Towing a Trailer

Updated 07/13/2020 | Published 10/02/2015

Question:

I am looking at your 18inch hitch extension. I need it when I pull my boat when my pickup camper is on my pickup. I have a 2011 Ford F150 with a 2 inch receiver hitch rated at 500 pds TW. My boat weighs about 2500 pounds overall and the dealer said my TW on the boat would be around 300 pounds. Would this extender work? I know they say you reduce TW by about 50 percent. I also have the option of taking off my trolling motor and moving the front two batteries to the back of my boat which I am sure would reduce the TW. I would be willing to do this if this 18 inch extender will work. Thanks.

asked by: Drew A

Helpful Expert Reply:

The # HE18 can work for what you are trying to do only if when you reduce the capacity of the hitch by 50 percent it still as enough capacity for the trailer it is towing.

Since your hitch would end up having a 250 lb capacity when used with this adapter you will need to verify the tongue weight of the trailer first by checking out the link I attached that details how to do this and then make any adjustments as needed to get it below 250 lbs.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Marian S.

7/7/2020

How much is the tongue weight reduced if I use a 48" Reese extension bar with a dual receiver. I am wondering if I can use this set up to tow a Malone kayak trailer and carry a kuat bike rack (50 lbs) with 2 electric bikes weighing 110 lbs combined (total weight of 160lbs). This would be on a Ford dually 350 truck with a tongue weight of 500 lbs.

Chris R.

7/13/2020

Are you talking about two separate adapters - a 48" Reese extension like # RP45018 with a dual receiver like # MPG544 attached at the end? If so, I can't recommend doing this. It will essentially reduce your capacity to an unknown number and create a ton of instability. Honestly a better option would be to add a front hitch to your F-350 to use with your Kuat rack.