Extension So Trailer Can Clear In-Bed Camper in a 2012 Chevy Silverado 2500 Short Bed  

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Some hitch extenders are rating for use with weight distribution and some are not. But all of the ones for a 2 inch trailer hitch receiver reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. Even with a 2-1/2 inch hitch and extension there will be a capacity problem. More on that later.

Brophy extender and step # ST18 is a little longer at 18 inches than what you are looking for (there isn't one that is exactly 15 inches) but it can be used with weight distribution. When it is used with weight distribution the capacity is right at 7,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 700 pounds tongue weight.

The best option is to replace the hitch you have with a Torklift hitch, # TLC1209. Then you could use a SuperTruss extension, # TLE1521, which is the shortest at 21 inches. Then you can use your weight distribution system and there would be no loss of tongue weight capacity at the hitch. When used with weight distribution the SuperTruss is rated for 14,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 1,400 tongue weight. I strongly urge you to go this route because otherwise you could over the hitch you have.

The problem is that when you calculate tongue weight for weight distribution you have to add in any weight behind the rear axle in the truck bed. The camper is going to add a significant amount of weight so you would be overloaded for sure with the regular hitch and an extension even before the 50 percent capacity reduction. On a 2-1/2 inch there isn't a tongue weight capacity reduction but the added weight of the camper in the bed could still be too much for the available 2-1/2 inch extensions with limited weight distribution ratings (8,000 pounds at most). So the SuperHitch and SuperTruss is the way to go.

expert reply by: Michael H

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