Hitch Extender for Towing Small Trailer

Updated 04/12/2021 | Published 04/08/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers -18" Long

(247)

$96.82

Erickson Tie-It Bundling Ties - Heavy Duty - 24" Long - Qty 2

(11)

$24.36

Roadmaster 20" Safety Cable Extensions With Quick Links - 8,000 lbs - Qty 2

(20)

$52.12

Question:

Hi, I have a 2014 Subaru Outback SE 2.5 rated to tow 2700lb fitted with a 2inch hitch rated at 4300lb tow and 600lb tongue weight. I am towing a Harbor Freight 1720lb rated foldable utility trailer with it. I want to mod the trailer to fit a 14 foot inflatable boat with motor but still keep the capability to fold the trailer. Gross weight of trailer with boat, motor, and gear would be less than 750 lbs., probably much less. I need an extra foot or so length out of my trailer to fit the boat so my thought was to, rather than extend the trailer at the front and loose the ability to fold, I could add the hitch extender, and mount some type of boat winch directly to the extender. I would just need to figure out a workaround for not being able to open my vehicle hatch but that is probably solvable. Would this work and be safe? Is there any reason that this would be a bad idea from a towing perspective. Thank you.

asked by: Dave M

Helpful Expert Reply:

As long as you are staying within the manufacturers specification in regards to the weights you will be perfectly fine. The Curt Extender # C45796 has a tongue weight capacity of 350lbs and 3500lbs towing or 50% of hitch capacity, whichever is less. In your case for your 2014 Subaru Outback that would be 300lbs tongue weight and 2150lbs towing.

You will also more than likely need a Wiring Extension # HM47004 as well as Safety Cable Extensions # RM-910648-20. Be sure to keep these secured up from dragging on the ground. I like using Quick Ties # EM06812 as they are easily installed and removed.

expert reply by: Bud M