Trailer Hitch Extension Needed to Allow Tailgate to be Lowered with Trailer Attached to Vehicle

Published 08/02/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 7"

(358)

$80.44

Draw-Tite Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3" Rise, 4" Drop - 12" Long - 12,000 lbs

(3480)

$65.21

Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10,000 lbs

(1358)

$81.94

Question:

What can I use to extend my hitch ball further away from the truck so that I can open the tail gate without removing the trailer? What would be longest recommended extension? Hitch weight is approx 1000 lbs, trailer weight approx 8000 lbs. 2 receiver hitch, 10K capacity.

asked by: Ben

Expert Reply:

I would not recommend any type of extension with your towing setup. Extenders create more torque on the vehicle frame, hitch, drawbar, extender and hitch ball because of the extension, just like adding a pipe to the end of a breaker bar. This added torque reduces that weight capacity of all of the components in the system by 50 percent, so your vehicles 10 K capacity would be lowered to 5 K if a hitch extension is used.

I would go with a long ball mount that is just long enough so you can lower your trucks tailgate with the trailer attached. In this case you would not be limiting your capacity and would add as little torque to the towing system as possible. We have several long ball mounts to choose from. you will need to match the drop or rise you need along with the length that you need for the tailgate to clear. A standard ball mount measures about 8-1/2 inches or so, depending on manufacturer. You can measure your existing ball mount from center of hitch pin hole to center of ball mount hole, see photo link, and determine the length of ball mount you will need.

I have linked a couple of ball mounts that may be suitable for your setup and added links to all of the long ball mounts for you to make a selection from. The measurement from the hitch pin hole center to the ball hole center is listed on each product page. I also attached a video showing how an extension affect the torque on a hitch and vehicle frame for you to view.

expert reply by: Robert G