Recommendation to Extend Trailer Hitch for Towing Pop Up Camper with 2013 Ford F-150

Updated 08/01/2017 | Published 07/31/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Class III Drawbar - 2" Rise - 4" Drop - 13" Long - 7,500 lbs

(2289)

$35.16

Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long

(683)

$64.94

Question:

I am looking to tow my Pop UP camper with a Ford F150 6.5foot box. I also want to put the tailgate down and carry my ATV. I was thinking of an extender for my hitch but i keep reading that it reduces your tow capacity. If l buy one that says the tow capacity is 3500, does that mean it can only tow 1750 or is it true to spec.? Ive only seen Class 2 extenders so far. Or should i go for the longer drawbar?

asked by: Donna

Expert Reply:

The best option for clearing the open tailgate on your Ford F-150 when towing a trailer is with an extended ball mount like the Curt # C45270. This ball mount measures 13 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the ball hole and has a gross towing weight capacity of 7,500 pounds. This ball mount also has either a 2 inch rise or 4 inch drop, so you will want to make sure that is appropriate for towing your trailer level.

I have included a short video review on this product for you to check out. I have also attached a link that will take you to our available selection of ball mounts that have extended shanks.

A hitch extender like the Curt # C45791 can also be used, however as you mentioned, the use of this or any similar adapter will reduce the trailer hitch's overall capacity by 50 percent. When determining your reduced capacity, you will go by hitch's capacity on your vehicle and not the extender itself. For example, if the trailer hitch on your F-150 has a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, it will be reduced to 3,000 pounds with the adapter.

expert reply by: Chris R