Hitch Extender For Adding Enough Space Between Trailer and SUV to Open Rear Hatch

Updated 06/17/2016 | Published 06/16/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(284)

$82.52

Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 14" Long

(676)

$90.27

Question:

I want to be able to open the back of my Suv when hooked up to tow my camper can I use an extension safely for this purpose?

asked by: Glenna T

Expert Reply:

You can do that if you wish, but be aware that using an extension lowers the capacity of the hitch by 50 percent. The further the load gets extended away from the hitch, the more leverage is applied. This leverage can damage the hitch or cause it or its attachment points to the vehicle to fail.

If you can get by with the reduced capacity, I'd recommend the the 14 inch # C45795 or the 18 inch # HE18.

An extra long ball mount might be a good alternative. If you click the link I've provided, you can see the ball mounts available. The product description for each one will provide the length between the hitch pin hole and the ball hole. A longer ball mount will NOT reduce the capacity, so if you can find one with the proper length and rise/drop, it'd be a better choice.

You could look at the Brophy Ball Mount # BM20 that has a length of 13-1/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole. This ball mount would not reduce your hitch capacity.

expert reply by: Mike L