Do Hitch Extenders Cut the Capacity of Trailer Hitch by 50 Percent

Updated 04/04/2016 | Published 03/31/2016

Question:

Hi there, I have a 1995 Rialta with a 2inch hitch receiver installed. The Owners Manual states that it has a 2000 lb towing capacity. I would like to add an extender to the hitch and Im curious if this will reduce my hitchs tongue weight by 50 or my vehicles TW by 50. I believe since I have a 2inch hitch that its capacity is 500 lbs while my vehicles TW translates to 200 lbs. Once the extender is installed, is my TW still 200 lbs or is it 100 lbs? Thanks for your help!!!

asked by: Rob P

Expert Reply:

When you use a hitch extender you will end up reducing the capacity of the vehicle by 50 percent like you mentioned. So your vehicle that has a 2,000 lb capacity would then be reduced to 1,000 lbs total trailer weight and 100 lbs tongue weight.

I attached a help article on hitch extenders for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C