Why Does Use of Hitch Adapter/Extender Reduce Hitch Tongue Weight and Trailer Weight Ratings

Question

Question:

Re hitch extension - video states extension reduces capacity by 50. 1/ In what way? we measure by tow weight but also tow ball weight. Thats the downward weight in the tow ball itself. 2/ This is what I an enquiring about. Thanks.

asked by: Cal

0

Expert Reply:

Any type of hitch adapter or extender will have the unavoidable side-effect of causing a loss of about half of your hitch's rated capacity, both its tongue weight (TW) and it's gross towing weight (GTW). Hidden Hitch extender # HE18 and Curt Hitch Extender # C45791 both cause a loss of capacity because they change the geometry of the hitch set-up. The added length of the adapter will allow greater leverage to be applied to the hitch tube by the attached trailer or accessory; this is what causes the loss of capacity.

A hitch reducer sleeve such as Curt Reducer Sleeve # C45405, which fits into a 2-1/2-inch hitch to reduce it's receiver opening to a 2-inch size, is the only type of adapter that does NOT cause a loss of hitch capacity because it does not alter the distance/geometry of the hitch tube.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Answer 1

Most of the 2-5/16 inch hitch balls will use either a 1-inch diameter shank or 1-1/4 inch diameter shank. The nut size on a hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank, like the Tow Ready 2-5/16 Inch Hitch Ball, part #19286, will use a 1-7/8 inch socket. A…

view full answer...

Answer 2

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…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Using an additional extender, like part #HE12, is very different than the rack, like part #K2TMC201, having a lengthy shank. The extenders like part #HE12 are usually made of two different sized pieces of steel that are welded together. The HE12 uses…

view full answer...

Answer 4

You are correct, the use of an adapter typically reduces the tongue weight capacity by 50%, but the amount can vary slightly. Since you are towing a trailer, you do not want to use the Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 6" Drop/Rise…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System #C17499 is going to be approximately 12" from the hitch pin center hole to the center of the ball shank hole. The exact measurement will vary between vehicles as the head of the hitch is adjustable…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Using the hitch extension will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer by 50 percent. But if you have a 2 1/2 inch trailer hitch receiver and use the Titan hitch extension #RP45292 the tongue weight capacity will not be reduced. At the 24…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Hey Al, Having used both I can confirm that the Big Truck Big RV Tongue Weight Scale w/ Storage Bag for Trailers #BTBRV44FR has been the better choice over the etrailer #e99044. This scale utilizes a different gauge that doesn't seem to have the…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Hey Jason, thanks for reaching out! We have a TorkLift tie-down kit for your 2022 Ford F-350 just as long as the electric running boards aren't wheel-to-wheel (I don't believe they are). The kit you referenced is for newer Super Duty pickups,…

view full answer...

Answer 10

This is a great question that there isn't exactly a great answer for. Hitch extenders not only put the weight further away from the hitch which would increase the leverage on the hitch, but they also add movement to the assembly which will…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Hi Emily, Before buying anything you'll want to verify that both the Pilot and the trailer hitch installed on it are rated for use with a weight distribution hitch (WDH). From what I can see Honda does not recommend it because it can shift the…

view full answer...

Answer 12

I spoke with my contact at Curt who said that the ideal location for the brackets is 28" on your frame from the hitch ball for the Curt TruTrack #C17499. He did say that they designed this Weight Distribution (WD) system so that you have a…

view full answer...

Why Does Use of Hitch Adapter/Extender Reduce Hitch Tongue Weight and Trailer Weight Ratings

Products Featured in This Question

Continue Researching