How To Prevent Jeep Spare Tire From Hitting Jack and Propane Tank Cover On Trailer While Towing

Updated 06/25/2019 | Published 06/24/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 7"

(363)

$86.71

Curt Class III Drawbar - 2" Rise - 4" Drop - 13" Long - 7,500 lbs

(2291)

$35.49

Ball Mount 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop - 12-5/8" Long

(3913)

$34.26

Question:

I am trying to connect a 2019 airstream 16foot Bambi Sport to my 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. Airstream dry weight is 2,860, gross weight is 3500, hitch weight is 378. Jeep towing capacity is 3500. So, This would seem to be just fine. But, I have a problem. The factory rear spare tire on the back of the Jeep is 12 inches it adds to the total length of the Jeep. In other words, the very, very back of the spare mounted tire on the back of the Jeep is looming quite close to the Bambi manual jack and propane tank box. If I turn at an angle of greater than 30, the spare mounted tire makes contact with the propane tank box very dangerous. But, I NEED to able to turn at 30 degrees, or even 35 in order to maneuver, back up, etc. So, I want to add an extender to the hitch assembly to add distance between the back of the mounted spare tire and the front edge of the Bambi propane tank box. I figure I need six inches to be sure that the mounted spare tire does not reach the propane container. Eight inches would be better. This will mean buying an extender that either goes straight back, or goes straight back and s 3-4 inches. WILL THIS IMPACT TOWING CAPACITY?

asked by: Tom E

Expert Reply:

Yes, there will be an effect on towing capacity when using a hitch extender. The Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver part # HE06 for example that you referenced will cut your towing capacity in half, so 1,750 lbs. This will also be the case for all adapters like the above. That said, I do have options for you that will give you additional clearance and will not reduce your towing capacity below 3,500 lbs.

I recommend the Curt Class III Drawbar part # C45270 which offers a 2" rise or 4" drop along with a 13" extension (from center of hitch pin hole to center of ball hole) or the Curt Class III Drawbar part # D-26 which offers a 3/4" rise or 2" drop along with a 12-5/8" extension (from center of hitch pin hole to center of ball hole). The correct ball mount for you will be the one that allows you to tow the trailer level or as close to level as possible.

expert reply by: Conner L