Hitch Extender to Tow a Trailer for 2011 Ford F-450 with 2017 Mammoth Camper in Bed

Updated 07/07/2016 | Published 07/06/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2-1/2"

(48)

$377.09

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

(282)

$81.50

Curt Hitch Extension and Reducer for 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches - 24" to 34" Long

(186)

$248.21

Curt Hitch Receiver Reducer Sleeve - 2-1/2" to 2"

(583)

$33.95

Curt Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers -18" Long

(239)

$92.07

Brophy Hitch Reducer and Extender - 2-1/2" to 2" Trailer Hitch - 7" Long

(310)

$142.82

Question:

I have a 2011 450 ford super duty dully. I have a 2017 mammoth host camper. I will be pulling a boat 2005 caravell 22 foot . Approx wt 2500 pounds what size hitch extender do I need

asked by: Jorge

Expert Reply:

You might not need a hitch extender. It is possible that a long ball mount will have the length needed to provide clearance for towing the trailer. Ball mount # BM20 measures 13-1/4' inches from the center of the pin hole to the center of the ball hole. It is rated for 10,000 pounds gross trailer weight and it has a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop. It fits a 2 inch trailer hitch receiver so if you have the factory 2-1/2 inch receiver you would also need to use a reducer sleeve such as # C45405.

A hitch extender with reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent (on a 2 inch hitch). Despite that since your boat trailer weighs just 2,500 pounds that would make the tongue weight around 250 pounds and the reduced capacity would not really be a factor.

So, if the ball mount above isn't going to work for you then you could use an extension. The length of hitch is up to you. You would want one that is long enough to be about flush with whatever sticks out the most at the back of the truck; the tailgate or the camper itself.

If you have a 2-1/2 inch hitch then you can use a shorter extender such as # HR26 at 6 inches provided the ball mount you use has enough length to get you the rest of the way. Or if you need additional length # C45048 adds 24 to 34 inches of length.

If you have a 2 inch receiver you could use an 18 inch extension such as # C45796.