Can Curt Front Mount Receiver C31068 Be Used To Maneuver Jayco X213 Camper Into Parking Spot

Published 02/06/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(199)

$270.91

Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 13-1/4" Long - 10K

(294)

$90.09

Question:

I have a 2011 F150 5.0L Crew 5.5foot box... Id like to install the C31068 to facilitate parking our 2015 Jayco X213 in a tight spot at home. Im not concerned about the trailer weight, which will be no more than 5000lbs loaded. Im wondering about the tongue weight, which could be around 450lbs. Ill likely need a hitch extension to allow the draw bar to clear the front bumper. Will I be OK for short distance parking? Thanks!

asked by: Serge

Expert Reply:

The Curt front mounted receiver you speak of, part # C31068 has a vertical load limit of 500 lbs. The 500 lbs vertical load limit represents the maximum amount of downward force that can be applied to the hitch, the same as tongue weight would be for a rear mounted hitch.

Because using a hitch extender would increase the distance between the load and the receiver, it would increase the leverage placed on the hitch. Because of that, using an extender would lower the vertical load limit by half to 250 lbs. So given that, I'd recommend using an extra long ball mount like # BM20 with a 3/4 inch rise/2 inch drop. Because it's all one piece, it won't decrease the vertical load limit of the hitch.

Using the front hitch you mentioned with the ball mount I recommended would handle your Jayco camper just fine. If you click the provided links, you can see the installation instructions and an install video.

expert reply by: Mike L