Comparing Hitch Extensions for Towing and Tow Bar Use

Updated 07/15/2016 | Published 07/14/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs

(236)

$73.69

Curt Dual Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 8" Extension

(123)

$105.16

Question:

Whats the difference between hitch extension and one designed for a tow bar ?

asked by: Dale M

Expert Reply:

A 2-inch hitch extender for tow bars can be used either for increasing the distance between a motor home and a flat towed vehicle, or for providing more clearance at the back of a vehicle when a hitch-mounted accessory is used, say a cargo carrier or bike rack. It cannot be used to tow a trailer.

Some hitch adapters/extenders are designed to allow tow bar use AND trailer towing, such as the Curt # D-192. Their # D210 which allows for towing and carrying a hitch-mount accessory at the same time. The top receiver portion cannot be used for towing.

All of these adapters do share the effect of reducing your trailer hitch capacity by 50-percent. This occurs as a result of the changed geometry of the system, which places more leverage on the hitch's receiver tube, and so reducing its capacity.

expert reply by: Adam R