Can I Extend My Hitch Without Using TorkLift Hitch and SuperTruss Extension

Question

Question:

I have a 09 Ford F250 4x4 truck with a Ford factory receiver setup 2x2. I have a 2017 Palomino 1251 truck bed camper. I want to tow a Loadrunner model # ILRDCC20TA2 Enclosed car Trailer GVWR 7000lbs, Curb weight 3123 lbs, GAWR 3500. Uses 2 5/16 ball. When the camper is in position and tied down the back end sticks out approximately 15inch from the truck hitch. I need to extend to this distance in order to tow the trailer, what do you suggest other than the entire torklift setup. It seems to me that I am extremely close to a standard hitch setup based on some of your dimension As an aside the truck has beefed up suspension 1 ton capacity and the trailer carries a classic British Car, Austin Healey which is relatively small and light in weight all things considered. Really appreciate your insights on this when you have the time.

asked by: Tim M

0

Expert Reply:

The only other extension option we carry besides the Torklift SuperTruss extender that does not cut your tongue weight in half is an extra long ball mount. Traditional extensions such as part # C45796 cut the tongue weight capacity of the hitch on the truck in half because it creates extra leverage and movement in your towing setup. The only extra long ball mount we offer that is long enough for your setup is the Hidden Hitch ball mount part # BM20 at 13-1/4 inches long.

That length is measured from the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole. You want to make sure you are measuring from the center of the hitch pin hole on the hitch out past the camper for an accurate measurement of clearance. Even though the ball mount does not cut your tongue weight in half, it is rated for 10,000 lbs. You would not be able to exceed 1,000 lbs of loaded weight in the trailer if you use the ball mount. I recommend the 2-5/16 inch diameter ball with a 1 inch shank to fit the ball mount part # C40007.

The option that gives you the most extension without lowering your capacity is the TorkLift Hitch part # TLF1002 and TorkLift SuperTruss extension part # TLE1521 at 21 inches long. The 21 inches gives you more than enough distance between the truck bed camper and the enclosed car trailer. The Torklift extension is the safest way to extend your towing setup because it is designed with lateral support chains that connect the hitch and the extension on either side to provide extra support so it does not bounce around as much as a traditional extension does.

expert reply by: Heather A

0

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Steve F.

6/16/2026

Do you carry an extra long ball mount similar to the BM20 you mention above but for a 2-1/2” receiver? It seems to me the adapter for my hitch to go to a 2” ball mount would have more movement than a true 2-1/2” ball mount.

Heather A.

6/17/2026

@SteveF Hi Steve! Thank you for asking. The longest ball mount option that fits a 2-1/2" hitch is Brophy Ball Mount for 2-1/2" Hitch - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 13-1/4" Long - 10k lbs Part # BZ20. Using a longer ball mount is much safer than using adapter because it doesn't cut your tongue weight in half. Can I ask what you are trying to do?

Steve F.

6/17/2026

Hi Heather Thank you, it turns out I already have the BZ20. I have a camper on my truck that is just a few inches past my bumper, so normal ball mounts are under the end of the camper. The BZ20 works, but just barely - there is not much room between the trailer jack and the back of the camper so going over a large bump could cause them to hit. I am towing a horse trailer so I want something secure, but the super hitch seems overkill. I just need a couple more inches to have a good clearance. I also have a 2” ball mount that is 8-1/2” from pin to ball plus a 2” extension that adds 7” (so a total of 15-1/2”). Both are rated for 10k lbs but then I have to use the adapter for the 2-1/2” receiver, and I’m not sure how to calculate the resulting load rating. The truck hitch is a factory installed class V hitch. Do you know of any other options I could try?

Heather A.

6/18/2026

@SteveF It sounds like you're really close to having the clearance you need, which is why I'd like to know a little more about that adapter. Is it just a simple 2-1/2 inch to 2 inch sleeve that sits inside the receiver, or is it an adapter that actually extends out from the hitch? The reason I ask is that every time you add another connection point or extension behind the hitch, you're increasing leverage on the receiver. In many cases that can reduce the tongue weight capacity significantly, sometimes by as much as 50 percent per connection point. If what you have is simply a sleeve adapter that stays inside the receiver, that's a much different situation and generally less of a concern than an adapter that adds additional length. Can you send me a photo or part number for the adapter you're using? That will help me get a better idea of what your actual capacity looks like and whether there might be a cleaner solution to gain those extra couple of inches of clearance. You can email me at [email protected]

Answer 1

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

Hey, Allen! All depends on what you're towing. Would you be able to give me some information such as what kind of trailer(s) your towing, is there going to be any sort of gear or equipment in the truck bed, and lastly does your truck have any…

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

When you go to the Torklift Magnum hitch part #TLF1002-30 you will need to also replace the rear Torklift tie downs with the part #TLR3504 as the tie downs you have now will not fit with the new hitch.

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Answer 6

For your 2012 Ford F-350, the TorkLift Hitch I recommend is part #TLF1002. This is a Class V hitch and has dual 2 inch receiver openings. The hitch also has pre-drilled holes that can accept TorkLift camper tie-downs. I have attached a link to our…

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Answer 7

Sure thing David! You're going to need the following parts for your 2012 Ford F-450: Torklift Hitch #TLF1002 48" Extension #TLE1548 (This is only rated for 6,000lbs without a weight distribution hitch, so to tow your 8,000lbs trailer…

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Answer 8

Hey Eric, The hitch extenders that we currently offer for a 2-1/2" receiver tube opening unfortunately max out at 6,000lbs GTW and wouldn't be capable of towing the trailer. You're most likely going to need to upgrade to a TorkLift…

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Answer 9

Yes the Curt Threaded Quick Link #C82932 will work to extend your safety chains to reach the loops on your hitch as long as they links are big enough to fit around your chains and the loops. When opened, the Quick Link has a gap that measures…

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Answer 10

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Answer 11

Sumo Springs should do a great job at helping to control the movement of your 2018 Toyota Tundra but if your suspension is worn out then newer leaf springs would help, but if you have the 1,000 lb SumoSprings #SSR-610-40 you can upgrade to a stronger…

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Answer 12

Hitch extensions over 18 inches aren't very common because of the stress and torque they put on the trailer hitch and vehicle frame. For a 30 inch extension, the first place we will want to start is with your truck's trailer hitch. In order…

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Can I Extend My Hitch Without Using TorkLift Hitch and SuperTruss Extension

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