Safety of Using Hitch Extender and Other Options To Clear Spare Tire on Jeep Liberty

Updated 01/31/2011 | Published 01/30/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 7"

(358)

$79.68

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

(282)

$82.50

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Chrome

(3606)

$23.61

Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span

(895)

$16.14

Question:

Want to know if it reduces the tounge weight limit by 50 how safe is the extender and is there another way to get way from the spare trie on a Jeep Liberty.

asked by: Ben

Expert Reply:

Using a hitch extender is safe as long as you stay within the limits specified of 50 percent of the hitch and vehicle load capacity, and 350 lb tongue weight capacity of part # HE06.

The other option to provide additional clearance from your spare tire would be to use a longer ball mount. For this, I would recommend Brophy Ball Mount, part # BM20, which places the center of the hitch ball 13-1/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole. If your ball mount requires a larger rise or drop, you could go with Ball Mount # 2753.

To mount an extender, you will need an extra Pin and Clip, part # PC3, if you do not already have one. For added security, we have Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock, part # e98880.

expert reply by: Reno H