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.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: adjustable trailer coupler
- Search Results: 12 hitch extension
- Search Results: 18 inch shank
- Search Results: safety chain extension
- Search Results: 12 inch hitch extension
- Search Results: hitch extension
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Tongue Weight Capacity When Using Brophy Hitch Reducer and Extender
- Q&A: How To Tow With the Tailgate Down Using Equal-i-zer System
- Q&A: How To Attach Safety Chains To Trailer Tongue
- Video: Curt ShockDrop Technology Manufacturer Spotlight
- Video: All About the Replacement Bolts for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Head
- Video: Breaking Down the Curt Dual Ball Attachment for Weight Distribution Shanks
- Video: Feature Review Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank
- Video: Replacement Ball Platform for Curt Rebellion XD Adjustable Ball Mount Spec Review
- Video: Ball Mount Adapter for Convert-A-Ball Cushioned Weight Distribution Shank: The Breakdown
- Video: Ball Mount Adapter for Convert-A-Ball Cushioned Weight Distribution Shank Spec Review
- Shop: Window Cover for Van Windows Direct Half-Slider Bunk Window VW73FR
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 18" Long - 8" Rise, 4" Drop - 600 to 1,400 lbs TW
- Shop: Gen-Y 2-Ball Mount for 2" Hitch Receivers - 2-5/16" and 2" Balls
- Shop: TorkLift Cannon Hitch Extension for 3" Factory Hitch Receivers - 24" Long
- Shop: Replacement Dual Ball for BulletProof Hitches Adjustable Ball Mount - 2" and 2-5/16"
- Shop: etrailer Adjustable 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 6" Rise, 6" Drop - 10K
- Shop: TorkLift Cannon Hitch Extension - 3" Ford Super Duty Factory Hitch - 36" Long
- Shop: Windshield Covers
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)


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.