Can a 12 Extender be Used to Tow a 3,000 lb Trailer with a Class A Motorhome

Updated 06/22/2018 | Published 06/20/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Hitch Extension and Reducer for 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches - 24" to 34" Long

(186)

$248.21

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

(282)

$87.14

Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 14" Long

(355)

$110.62

Question:

I am towing a 10’ utility trailer with a Smart car in it, approximately 3000 lbs behind a class A motorhome. I would like to add a 12” extension to my receiver thereby adding length to the trailer tongue. Do you think I’m okay by doing this?

asked by: Mario J

Expert Reply:

Any 12" extender that would fit your application will reduce your overall hitch weight capacity. The Brophy Hitch Extender # RHE12 (14") will reduce it by 33-1/3% while most others will reduce it by 50%. Options like the Curt Hitch Extension and Reducer # C45048 that you referenced are meant to fit a 2-1/2" hitch receiver and are typically used for a pickup with a camper in the bed.

If your trailer hitch and Class A are rated high enough you will be able to tow your trailer and car with a total weight of 3,000 lbs using the Brophy extender. For example, if it is 5,000 lbs that will give you a reduced weight capacity of 3,333 lbs and a reduced tongue weight rating of 333 lbs.

Another possibility is to use an extended ball mount like part # BM20 which is 13-1/4" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole. It has a 10,000 lb towing capacity and a 1,000 lb tongue weight capacity, plus it will not reduce the weight capacity of your trailer hitch.

If you choose to go with the extender (as opposed to the long ball mount) I recommend checking the weight ratings of your trailer hitch and your Class A (the lower will be your limiting factor) against the loaded weight and tongue weight of your trailer to make sure that you can safely accomplish this.

expert reply by: Jon G