Can a Hitch Extended Be Used with A Cargo Basket on Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Updated 05/15/2014 | Published 05/14/2014
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Question:
I need a hitch extender for a class II hitch on a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I want to attach a cargo basket, but the spare tire hits the basket and prevents the baskets tongue from completely ing into the receiver. I only need a couple of inches for clearance. What would you recommend?
asked by: Mike S
Expert Reply:
Although a hitch extender or adapter such as the Brophy Hitch Extender For 2-Inch Trailer Hitches # HE06 will give you the extra clearance at the back of your Wrangler to fit your cargo basket, all such extenders also have the unfortunate side-effect of reducing your hitch's capacity by half.
This is a result of the altered geometry that results from the longer overall receiver structure. In the same way that slipping a bar over a tire iron gives you more leverage to loosen a stubborn lug nut, adding an extender to your receiver will result in far greater stresses on your hitch and vehicle frame and this is why the tongue weight rating is cut in half.
Since I do not know your Jeep's model year, I want to point out that for the 2013 model year (as an example) the Class II hitches we offer are 1-1/4-inch size, not 2-inches like the Brophy extender. If you need to adapt a 1-1/4-inch hitch for a 2-inch cargo carrier you will instead need an adapter such as Brophy # HTAD.
If the tongue weight rating of your Class II hitch, even when reduced by 50-percent, is still enough to handle the combined weight of your cargo basket and your loaded cargo, then you could use an extender. However, in this case I would urge you to also add some cargo control tie-downs to take some of the stress off the hitch/extender and to reduce its tendency to sway and twist while you are underway. The Erickson Easy Ratchet Tie Downs # EM34410 are one example. A video on this item is included.
Your hitch will have a safety/warning sticker indicating its tongue weight rating; You can use this to determine if its halved capacity will still meet your needs.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 7"
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 7-3/8 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs
- Brophy
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