Does Using Extra Long Ball Mount Affect Towing Experience or Capacity
Updated 07/25/2024 | Published 09/30/2019
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Can using an extra long ball mount like the Brophy BM20 have an adverse effect on towing? Does it and create the effect on the vehicle of having a much heavier tongue weight due to the extra leverage applied to the rear of the vehicle?
asked by: Ted N
Expert Reply:
A longer ball mount like the Brophy # BM20 that you referenced will indeed put a bit more stress on the trailer hitch/rear of tow vehicle due to that added leverage, but not to the point of it having an actual negative impact on towing or cutting into your overall towing capacity.
The manufacturers of this particular ball mount have determined through testing and physics well over my head that it will maintain the full weight capacity of your existing hitch, along with the tongue weight limit on your truck. This is assuming that you stay under the 10,000 pound towing/1,000 pound tongue weight limits on the ball mount itself, and stay under the capacities of your vehicle, whichever is lower.
When you start extending even further back from the tow vehicle, like with separate extenders such as the Curt # C45796, the capacity of your trailer hitch will be reduced to accommodate for this added leverage. Any such restrictions will be listed on the product pages. For example, most adapters like this reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 13-1/4" Long - 10K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Brophy
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Does Going with a Longer Ball Mount Make Trailer Harder to Back Up
- Q&A: Is Drilling Or Trimming Required To Install The EcoHitch EH72HR On A 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5?
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: How Long are the Curt Hitch Extenders C45791 C76DR?
- Q&A: How do I use a Bike Rack and Pull a Trailer at the same time
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: Hitch Extender for 10,000 lb Travel Trailer Compatibility
- Article: Which Hitches are Made in the USA
- Q&A: Which Ball Mounts are Manufactured in the USA
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Types of Trailer Hitches: How and Why to Use Each
Gary R.
7/25/2024
how much side load is applied to the hitch by a four foot extended ball mount when flat towing a 4000 lb vehicle. An example would be a pickup with camper extended over rear hitch making extended ball mount necessary, flat towing vehicle.and turning a corner. thank you for any input you have. Gary r.