Can Hitch Extenders Be Used With Weight Distribution

Published 12/09/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 7-3/4" Extension

(54)

$92.08

Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 18" Long - 8" Rise, 4" Drop - 600 to 1,400 lbs TW

(537)

$215.02

Question:

I have an F-150 pickup pulling a GeoPro 20 trailer using a Reese weight distribution hitch with dual cam sway control. This hook-up does not allow enough space to fully lower my truck tailgate. Can I use a hitch extender?

asked by: Frank H

Expert Reply:

If you had a 2-1/2 inch receiver on your truck, you could use something like the Reese # RP45292 cut down to 24 inches, but a 2-1/2 inch hitch isn't typically found on an F-150. This extender is specifically designed for this purpose.

If you have a 2 inch hitch, you won't want to use a hitch extender, the extra 'joint' between the hitch and the load would allow too much movement and too much stress on the connection between the extender and the shank, which could cause the connection point to fail.

Your best bet would be to use a longer weight distribution shank to gain you an extra few inches of distance. The shank that was included with your Dual-Cam weight distribution setup has a maximum length of 10-1/4 inches, measured from the furthest hitch pin hole to the center of the adjustment holes.

If you were to go with the Equal-i-zer # EQ90-02-4600 which is our longest weight distribution shank, you'd have 3-3/4 inches of additional clearance, which might do the trick for you.

expert reply by: Mike L