Recommended High Capacity Hitch and Extension for 2012 Ford F350 With Slide In Camper

Published 09/09/2021

Products Featured in This Question

TorkLift SuperTruss Hitch Extension for SuperHitch Trailer Hitch Receivers - 60" Long

(342)

$675.17

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2-1/2"

(53)

$400.88

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

(72)

$307.79

TorkLift SuperTruss Hitch Extension for SuperHitch Trailer Hitch Receivers - 36" Long

(342)

$675.17

TorkLift SuperHitch Magnum Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2-1/2" and 2"

(26)

$1125.29

Question:

Looking for my best options on a hitch and extension to be able to tow an approximate 4500 lb. gross box trailer or boat behind my slide in truck camper. I have a 2012 Ford F350 Lariat 4 x 4 with the factory Class IV hitch. Other than the superhitch and truss extension due to cost options, it seems the best way to get to a minimum 4500 lb. capacity would be to change my current factory receiver to a Class V such as the Reese #45508 with the 2 ½” receiver and then add the #45292 34” extension 2 ½’ to 2” which give me the 4500 lb GTW and 450 lb. tongue weight. Does this seem like a reasonable plan? Any other options to get this tow weight capacity or more?

asked by: Randy H

Expert Reply:

In order to get the extension you're needing and retain the necessary capacity, your best bet will be to replace your existing hitch, as you mentioned, the Draw-Tite # DT45508 would be a good choice along with the Draw-Tite # RP45292 hitch extension. If the extension is cut down to the 24 inch length, it'll have a 6K capacity, or 8K with weight distribution. If the extension is left at its 34 inch out of box length, the capacity will be 4500 lbs or 6000 lbs if used with weight distribution. If those capacities will work for you, this is certainly your most reasonably priced option.

For a higher capacity at the 36 inch length, you'd want to go with a combination of the TorkLift SuperHitch Magnum, part # TLF1002-30 along with the 36 inch SuperTruss extension, part # TLE1536 which would provide a 6500 lb capacity/12,000 lbs weight weight distribution and a 650 lb tongue weight capacity or 1200 lb lbs TW if used with weight distribution. This is certainly the more expensive option, but it would be the way to go for a higher capacity than the Draw-Tite option mentioned above.

expert reply by: Mike L