Hitch Extender for Towing Camper with Tailgate Down

Published 08/22/2019

Products Featured in This Question

TorkLift SuperTruss Hitch Extension for SuperHitch Trailer Hitch Receivers - 42" Long

(342)

$675.17

Hitch Box Extension and Reducer for Titan 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches, 24" - 34" Long

(72)

$307.79

Brophy Hitch Extender with Step - 2" Hitches - 18" Long - 6-1/2" x 17" Platform

(12)

$175.15

Question:

Hello are razor hangs over our Chevy truck bed we have to leave the tailgate down which creates an issue pulling our camper is there an extension for the hitch that we can get that would make it safe to pull while turning tight?

asked by: Kathy W

Helpful Expert Reply:

Using most extenders will typically lower the tongue weight and towing capacity of the hitch by up to 50 percent, unless you're planning on using something like the Torklift Super Truss # TLE1542 you mentioned. This extender provides 42 inches of extension, but must be used with a Torklift Super Hitch that has two receiver openings. This is a pretty specialized hitch that's typically available for 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.

If your truck has a 2-1/2 inch receiver hitch on it, The Reese Hitch box extension, # RP45292 will provide 34 inches of extension, but it can be cut down to 24 inches if need be. At its full 34 inch length, the extender will have a 4500 lb capacity or a 6000 lb capacity when cut down to 24 inches.

If you have a 2-inch receiver on the vehicle, the Brophy # ST18 extender might be a good choice if 18 inches of extension would work for your needs. Using the extender will lower your hitch towing and tongue weight capacity by one-third.

If you click the provided links, you can see videos for the products mentioned above.

expert reply by: Mike L