Does the Curt Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers C45796 Really Reduce a Hitch's Capacity by 50%?

Updated 02/03/2026 | Published 06/30/2024

Question:

We have a 2005 Chinook motorhome with the entrance door on the back. Because of this the steps cover the hitch receiver. We want to tow our 1985 Nissan pickup behind the motorhome. We want to make sure if we purchase this hitch extension that it will be heavy enough for our vehicle. The video says its rated for 3,500 lb but then the presenter goes on to say it reduces your towing capacity by 50. If thats the case it would reduce my receiver hitch capacity to 2,500 lb. So the 3,500 lb weight capacity of the extension is completely negated anyway. Is this true?

asked by: Dawn

Expert Reply:

Yes, that is correct. The Curt Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers item # C45796 is going to reduce your hitches capacity by 50%. This happens with all extenders because of the additional length past your receiver where the connection point to the ball mount or in your case the tow bar is.

This does reduce the capacity of the Curt item # C45796 to 2,500 lbs. Your motorhome's hitch having the lower capacity with the extender attached is what you have to go off of. I don't have an alternative option for you either. I looked online and from what I could tell a 1985 Nissan pickup weighs right around 2,500 lbs so hopefully this set up will still work for you.

Please note that you will want to verify with the manufacturer of the tow bar you'll be using that it is compatible with a hitch extender.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Jerred H.

2/3/2026

Hey, how did things turn out with the Curt hitch extender on your Chinook motorhome? Did the setup handle towing your Nissan pickup the way you hoped? Your update could make it easier for others working with a similar hitch layout.