Can A Cargo Carrier Be used as a Hitch Extension for Towing a Boat
Updated 06/04/2009 | Published 06/03/2009
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Question:
Can this cargo carrier or one of the other class III carriers be used as a hitch extender to pull a boat.
asked by: David
Expert Reply:
A cargo carrier like the Pro Series # 63153 you mentioned cannot be used as a hitch extender, primarily because the extended length would place too much leverage upon the receiver hitch and its mounting points. This excessive leverage would most likely damage the receiver and could cause the hitch to become detached from the vehicle.
I would recommend using a Multi-Purpose Ball Mount like the Curt # D210. The ball mount is rated at 7500 lb towing, 750 lb tongue weight, and the receiver portion is rated at 350 lbs.
This would be a viable option if the 65 lb weight of the carrier plus whatever is stowed on it does not weigh more than 350 lbs. Keep in mind that the total tongue weight capacity of the unit is 750 lbs, so maxing out the capacity of the receiver portion would only leave 400 lbs of tongue weight available for the boat.
You would also need to ensure that there are no obstructions on the trailer tongue that would prevent the carrier from being used. With its raised shank, and the elevation provided by the multi purpose ballmount, the bottom of the carrier would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 11-1/2 inches above the bottom of the trailer coupler. The carrier would extend approximately 30 inches rearward over the tongue of the trailer.
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