Can I Use Two Hitch Extenders Together For A Lightweight Kayak Trailer & Bike Rack?

Published 09/24/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 18" Long

(171)

$51.27

Brophy Ball Mount - 3" Rise, 4" Drop - 14-5/8" Long - Aluminum - 8,000 lbs

(150)

$98.01

Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1953)

$181.06

Question:

Hi, were towing a SylvanSport Go Easy kayak trailer with our 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. We just bought a bike rack and needed to purchase a dual hitch extender. I understand this cuts our 3600lb tow capacity in half already. Now Ive found that we still need 6.5 more inches of clearance, as the bike rack is in the way of the ball mount and coupler. Can I extend the extension by 7 more inches safely with one of your products? Would it be better to try and raise the bikes somehow, to gain clearance that way? Id prefer a longer ball mount but the longest one you advertise is only 3inch longer than mine. Our kayaks plus trailer come in around 500lbs. Bikes plus rack = approx 125lbs. Attached are 3 pictures I took to help explain.

asked by: Maury

Expert Reply:

Hi, let me help you with your setup and get you back on the road! Though it is not recommended to use two hitch extenders no matter what the capacity is. (They reduce max tongue weight only by 50%.)

We do have the Brophy Ball Mount # EA40, it has 14-5/8 inches of clearance. That may give you enough distance and if we paired it with your dual hitch receiver and your current bike rack it might help you get back on the water.

If that doesn't work you could get a bike rack with some rise to it like the Swagman XC2 Bike Rack # S64650.

expert reply by: David B