Can Hitch Extender be Used with Ball Mount to Clear Rear Bumper

Updated 05/17/2019 | Published 05/16/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 10-3/4" Rise, 12" Drop - 7,000 lbs

(1367)

$95.63

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

(676)

$74.28

Question:

I have a 2013 Honda Odyssey, and I believe my bumper will be in the way of the riser and unable to hook to my hitch without a hitch extension. Can a Hitch Extension be added to my hitch so I have enough clearance with this riser. Just wanted to check if that was advisable.

asked by: M P

Expert Reply:

A hitch extension like the Curt # C45791 can be used to gain the bumper clearance needed for the Draw-Tite Ball Mount # 80248 that you mentioned but there is an important thing to keep in mind when using this or any other adapter. When the adapter/extension is in place your trailer hitch capacity will be reduced by 50 percent. This just means if the hitch on your Odyssey has a 3,500 pound towing capacity and a 350 pound tongue weight capacity these limits will be reduced to 1,750 and 175 pounds respectively.

If the weight of your trailer remains under this reduced capacity then this is a good solution.

If not then a better option is to go with a longer ball mount that still provides you the rise you are needing. The Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount # AMSC12 might work well as it features a 10-3/4 inch rise and a distance of 12-1/2 inches from the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball mount hole.

I have included a short video review that you can check out along with a link that will take you to our selection of ball mounts with a longer shank.

expert reply by: Chris R