Can Dual Hitch Adapter/Extender Be Used With Weight Distribution

Updated 01/23/2021 | Published 01/21/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Malone 2" Dual Purpose Hitch Receiver

(200)

$139.00

Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide

(572)

$486.56

Yakima LongHaul RV Bike Rack - 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Silver

(70)

$398.95

Question:

Hi, Will this work with my current Curt Weight distribution system, item # C17062 and the Yakima Full swing bar item # Y02465? I have a 21FT travel trailer. Thanks

asked by: JL H

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution systems place hundreds upon hundreds of pounds of upward force on a hitch receiver, so the weight distribution shank needs to be installed directly into the receiver without use of an extender like the # MPG544. Plus, due to the extra leverage a hitch extender places on the hitch, if an extender is used the towing and tongue weight of the hitch is reduced by half.

We have a few other options for carrying your bikes. If your travel trailer has a hitch on the back, you can use an RV approved bike rack like the Yakima LongHaul, part # Y02476. If your travel trailer doesn't already have a hitch, you could install one using part # 13703 which will fit travel trailers with frame members 22-72 inches apart.

Another option would be to install a front mounted hitch on your tow vehicle. Front mounted hitches are available for most full-size trucks and SUV's, and carrying bikes on the front of a vehicle has become a popular way of taking it all with you when you travel. If this option interests you, just reply with the year, make and model of your tow vehicle, and I'll check the availability of a front hitch for you.

If you're only needing to carry two bikes, you can use a mount like the Swagman Straddler, part # S80503 which would attach to the A-frame of your travel trailer. This device has a 100 lb weight capacity, so the rack you use plus the weight of the bikes placed on it couldn't exceed 100 lbs, but for carrying just a couple of bikes it's a neat solution that would lift the bikes up and out of the way of the usual trailer tongue obstructions like propane tanks.

expert reply by: Mike L