Hitch Extensions Recommendations for a Bike Rack on Camper Truck

Question

Question:

I have a Northern Lite truck camper, 10Ft 2 inch that sticks out behind my truck about 28 inches, add the step another 10 inches so 38 inches. Actually the distance from the truck hitch receiver to the back of the step is an estimated 33inches. I have a Thule bike rack sorry that I have had for some time but I need an extension of about 33 inches or 3 ft so that it can clear the step. Do you have anything or what can I use. I called Northern Lite and they said that you might be able to help me. I thought about using your swagman bumper adaptor but the Northern Lite dealer Okanagan Travel Land and Northern Lite would prefer that I put some sort of hitch extender and use the hitch receiver on the back of my truck. Can you help. My newer truck is Chev, and it hangs over about the same amount.

asked by: Terry M

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

For an extender that long you will need a 2-1/2 inch receiver and an extender like the Titan Hitch Box Extension and Reducer for 2-1/2 inch trailer hitches # RP45292. If your hitch is not a 2-1/2 inch receiver you cannot use the Titan extender.

You need to keep in mind your limitations when using an adapter or extender. Using a hitch extender on a 2-inch hitch will reduce your trailer hitch tongue capacity by 50 percent. So if your trailer hitch is rated for 350 pounds of vertical load, you will only be able to load 175 pounds on the hitch. You will need to take the weight of the rack, the adapter/extender and the bikes into consideration when calculating your tongue weight.

Also, you mention you have a Thule bike rack. Most Thule bike racks cannot be used with a hitch extender or adapter.

A better option would be an RV and Motorhome Bike Rack like # SP501BR. The arms of this rack attach to any RV or van ladder that has 1" diameter vertical support rails. The rack holds two bikes vertically.

A last option would be a front-mounted hitch, though these come with decreased visibility, reduced air flow to the radiator and they may block headlights, and, of course, will require that your vehicle have a front-mounted hitch. If you want to go this route I will need to know the year and model Chevy truck you have to determine if there is a front-mount hitch that fits.

expert reply by: Chris O

1

Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

Hey John! Would you like to install the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch #24794 yourself if possible? You could use ramps like the Caliber Vehicle Ramp Kit #CA24AJ to get under there and install it. You would have them if you need them for any…

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Answer 4

If your Swagman bike rack is the XTC-2, XC-2, Chinook, G10, Semi 2.0 or a Titan then the adapter you need is part #SP323. If you have a different bike rack please let me know so I can look into it for you.

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Answer 5

Sorry to hear about your car accident and your hitch and bike rack being damaged. As far as installing a new hitch, the first thought that comes to mind is, because of the accident, are all the necessary attachment points for a trailer hitch on the…

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Answer 6

I really wish we did, but we do not have any adjustable ball mounts that fit a 1-1/4 inch hitch like the #MT70068 that you referenced. The added length and leverage of the adjustable ball mounts is why they aren't made for the lighter duty 1-1/4…

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Answer 7

I checked with Curt and the part #C11567 fits the 2024 Toyota Corolla hatchbacks including the hybrids and then if you had a sedan you'd want the part #C34UR which also fits hybrids. These are same fits as the 2023 models.

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Answer 8

This will depend on the hitch used and the height of the trailer coupler. You want the trailer to be as level as possible. We have a page on calculating hitch height and coupler height to help you find what ball mount would work best. Most light duty…

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Answer 9

Hello Richard. We do have an adapter, the Brophy Hitch Adapter #HT5R which may work very well for you. This will go in to the 1-1/4" receiver on your Camry and give you a 2" receiver with 5" of rise. It is very important to note that…

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