Is it Safe to Use Extended Ball Mount to Tow a Trailer for Extra Clearance for Trunk Mount Bike Rack

Updated 11/22/2021 | Published 11/21/2021

Question:

I have a Class III hitch on my 2020 Honda Pilot and I will be pulling an Aliner camper that weighs nmt 2,000 lbs when fully loaded. I would like to use an extended length ball mount to allow more room between vehicle and camper so I can use my bicycle rack on the back of the vehicle and still have enough clearance to make turns. My question is how does an extended ball mount effect towing performance and is it a safety issue?

asked by: Bruce W

Helpful Expert Reply:

The use of an extended ball mount like the etrailer Ball Mount Kit - Super Extra-Long - 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop - 6,000 lbs # EBMK2EL is perfectly safe and a good solution for extra clearance. This extra-long ball mount extends the ball 16" from the hitch pin hole so as long as that is the clearance you're looking for you're good to go.

I am assuming you have a trunk mounted bike rac; the problem people typically run into comes from trying to use extenders and adapters in order to tow their trailer and also use a hitch mounted bike rack at the same time. Using the extended ball mount along with your trunk mounted bike rack won't cause you any problems.

expert reply by: Robin H