Recommended 14 or 18 Inch Hitch Extension for Boat Trailer with Weight Distribution Hitch

Updated 08/17/2021 | Published 08/15/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(72)

$307.80

Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 14" Long

(355)

$110.62

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

(12)

$175.15

Question:

Hi, I have a 2016 Ford F-150 . I’m wanting to tow a 16’ aluminum flat bottom boat. The model is old and I don’t have the specs as far as weight. The tongue is to short and rides close to the truck. I’d like to use a hitch extension maybe 14” I’d like an 18” but I’m a little concerned. Even though it’s a Jon boat it’s had a floor put in and decking on the front. I can still lift the front by hand while on the trailer but not a whole lot. Sorry I don’t have the weight. But I figured I’d ask anyway. Truck is equipped with a good towing package. Tongue weight capacity is 1200# and is equipped with sway control if that helps. Thanks

asked by: Douglas B

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will need to do is find the tongue weight of your trailer. This information will be required in order to determine if you can use an extension. I recommend using a scale like the etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044. I am also attaching a helpful article on how to determine trailer tongue weight.

That being said, it is likely your tongue weight will not exceed the capacity of the extension based on what you have told me. Again, you need to measure your tongue weight to be sure since I can only guess at how much weight the floor and decking have added. Once you have that information you can determine which extension, if any, is right for you.

I am assuming when you say sway control that you have a weight distribution hitch. I have a couple options for extenders that are rated for use with weight distribution. Both of these will reduce your hitches weight capacity by one third. This means your hitches tongue weight capacity will be reduced to 800 lbs. For a 14" extension I recommend the Brophy # HE12. This has a gross trailer weight of 3,500 lbs and tongue weight of 350 lbs. When used with weight distribution the GTW is 7,000 lbs and the TW is 700 lbs.

If you want an 18" extender the only options rated for use with weight distribution have a step attached. I recommend the Brophy # ST18. This has the same 3,500 lbs GTW and 350 lbs TW. When used with weight distribution it is also the same as the other, GTW is 7,000 lbs and the TW is 700 lbs.

As long as you do not exceed the maximum tongue weight of 350 lbs without weight distribution and 700 lbs with weight distribution either of these will work for your boat trailer.

expert reply by: Robin H