Maximum Length Of Hitch Extension for Use with Blue Ox Tow Bars

Updated 01/09/2018 | Published 01/08/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Brophy Hitch Extender with Step - 2" Hitches - 18" Long - 6-1/2" x 17" Platform

(12)

$175.15

Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs

(451)

$712.25

Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs

(751)

$954.61

Blue Ox Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 12" Extension

(94)

$150.28

Question:

I tow a 5K lb vehicle with a Blue Ox tow bar. I need to extend the bar back 24inch to make room for a bumper-mount box. Will this part handle that, since there is no real tongue weight, or do you have a better solution?

asked by: Ryan H

Expert Reply:

Blue Ox hitch-mount tow bars such as their Alpha # BX7380 and Avail # BX7420 can be used with a hitch extension up to 12-inches in length, part # BX88264, but Blue Ox cautions against longer hitch extensions. The potential risk is damage to the hitch receiver tube, not so much to the adapter or to the tow bar.

Use of almost any extension or adapter will apply more leverage to the hitch tube, much in the same way that sliding a length of pipe over the end of a tire iron will give you more leverage to loosen a stubborn lug nut.

If you use a longer extension like 18-inch Reese # RP11004 damage to the vehicle, hitch or tow bar will not be covered under warranty.

expert reply by: Adam R