How Can I Safely Extend My Trailer out 12" While Using My ProPride 3P Weight Distribution System?

Updated 01/10/2025 | Published 12/28/2024

Question:

I’d like to add about 12 inches of extension clearance so I can haul two dirt bikes in the back of RAM 1500 2024 while towing a 4000 pound camper trailer and using a ProPride 3P 10,000 pound weight distribution hitch. I think the truck’s stock receiver is a 1000 pound 2” class 4 hitch. Apparently the extender would reduce the hitch capacity to 500 pounds. How much does this extender weigh? The ProPride weighs about 195 pounds. Would the weight distribution bars help keep the hitch weight under 500 pounds with this setup? Can the extender be used with weight distribution bars? I’m thinking about adding airbags to the truck’s rear coil suspension. Could these be used with the extender and the weight distribution system? Appreciate the advice.

asked by: Marc

Expert Reply:

Hello Marc,

I am sorry for the delay in response. I have looked into every extender we have, and I do not see how you would be able to use any of them and be able to tow safely. With other weight distribution systems you can change out the shank for a longer one, well the ProPride 3P uses a one of a kind 2 part shank design and I do not see that we have a longer one on our site. I have already reached out to ProPride to see if they have one that we do not have listed on our site that will work, or what they would recommend for you to be able to extend out that far safely. I wanted to let you know that I am still working on this, and am in high hopes to have an answer from them soon. Responses from the manufacturers have not been so quick right now in the Holiday Season.

I will let you know as soon as I find anything out.

expert reply by: Kate F

Marc

1/7/2025

Thanks for looking into this! Not sure I follow the issue about the 2 part drop down. I think the 2 part PP drop down is rated for at least 1000 lbs probably more. I’m thinking about using this extender Gen-Y Hitch Receiver Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 14" Long. So I would have the extender inserted into the truck hitch. The ProPride drop down hitch would insert into the extender. The 2 part ProPride drop down would insert into the ProPride hitch. If using an extender with the PP is ok, can you help with my hitch weight question?

Kate F.

1/10/2025

@Marc Hey Marc, I just heard back from ProPride, I am very sorry for the delay. They informed me that you cannot use an extender with their system. I know this is not the news you were looking for, and I don't like to deliver bad news so it was not the answer I wanted either. In order to extend out further and use a weight distribution you would need to get different one with a longer shank. You could go with the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - 12 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW # RP66074 and pair it with Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank # EQ90-02-4500 as it is 18" long and fits in a 2" receiver. This is the only way I can see you doing what you are trying to do and safely tow. If you you have any other questions, please ask away =)