Do You Need a SuperHitch for a 48-Inch Extension for Ford Factory Hitch with a Lance Truck Camper  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Lance, I completely understand where you’re coming from on this.

You can use your factory hitch with a 48 inch extension like part # TLE1648, so you don’t have to jump to the dual receiver setup right away since this extension is designed to work with the factory hitch. A 48 inch extension is typically enough for a camper like the Lance 1181, but the best way to be sure is to take a quick measurement. If the camper is mounted, measure from the face of the truck’s rear bumper to the outer edge of the camper. That distance is the extension length you need.

If the camper is not mounted yet, you can measure from the inside front wall of the truck bed to the outside face of the rear bumper, then measure the camper’s floor length from the front rubber bumpers to the rear edge. Subtract the truck measurement from the camper length and that difference will tell you the extension length you’ll need.

The TLE1648 will give you that reach, and it’s rated for 3,000 pounds gross trailer weight or 6,000 pounds with weight distribution, with 300 pounds tongue weight or 600 pounds with weight distribution. Just keep in mind it steps down to a 2-1/2 inch receiver opening instead of the factory 3 inch.

The reason extensions are needed at all is because slide in campers extend past the back of the truck and block the hitch, so the extension moves the connection point out behind the camper so you can still tow safely. If you’re not planning to tow or carry anything back there, you wouldn’t need one.

For securing the camper, the TorkLift Talon frame mounted tie downs part # TL87DR are a great fit for your truck with the factory hitch and will give you a really solid connection directly to the frame. These are designed to work with the factory hitch you have on your truck now.

Stepping up to the TorkLift SuperHitch Magnum part # TL27CR is not required for your setup but it becomes a really nice upgrade if you plan to tow something heavier or just want the most rigid and confidence inspiring setup with that longer extension. The dual receiver design helps reduce flex and spreads the load out more, which is why a lot of truck camper owners go that route over time if they are towing a heavy trailer behind their truck with a camper.

What are you planning to tow or carry behind the camper once everything is set up?

expert reply by: Heather A

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