Roadmaster Hitch Extender Clearance for Flat Towing with Bike Rack

Updated 05/30/2026 | Published 05/27/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Anti-Rattle Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 7-3/4" Extension

(172)

$164.23

Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter - 2" Hitch - 4" Drop or Rise - 10,000 lb

(987)

$214.55

Question:

Hello, I am flat towing my truck with our diesel motorhome, 15K tow rating. I also have a Thule bike rack, so I purchased from you thr Roadmaster dual hitch receiver. The problem is that with the bike rack attached the tow bars are not quite long enough. Are you able to determine if purchasing the Roadmaster Anti-Rattle Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2inch Hitches - 7-3/4inch Extension I would have enough clearance when towing. Thanks, Steve Bassett

asked by: Steven B

Expert Reply:

Hi Steven,

Based on your setup, the Roadmaster Anti Rattle Hitch Extender part # RM-071-1075 could potentially give you the additional clearance you need between the bike rack and tow bars, but I want to make sure we get this right before recommending it. Since you are already using the Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter part # RM83SR, adding the extender would create another leverage point in the system and would reduce the tongue weight capacity of the setup by half. The dual receiver itself is rated for 400 lbs tongue weight, so with the extender added you would be limited to 200 lbs total, including the weight of the bike rack and bikes.

I also want to make sure the issue is truly a length and clearance problem versus an articulation issue while turning. If you can, send me a little more detail or even a photo of how the tow bars are contacting or running out of space. Are the bikes or rack getting close to the tow bars during turns, or is it more of a vertical clearance issue when everything is connected? Once I can see exactly where the interference is happening, I can give you a much more confident answer on whether the extender will solve it safely.

What kind of bikes are you usually carrying on the Thule rack, and how many do you normally travel with? How much do the bikes weigh?

expert reply by: Heather A

David

5/28/2026

Honestly I would not recommend it. I installed this extender on our setup and immediately could feel the negative impact. TOAD had significant leverage on the motorhome, giving a constant uneasy feeling of less control. Took it off at our next stop. Maybe consider putting the bikes on the TOAD somehow.

Heather A.

5/28/2026

@David David, I really appreciate you sharing your real world experience with that setup. That is actually very helpful feedback because on paper the extender can solve the clearance issue, but as you pointed out, adding that much extra leverage behind the motorhome can absolutely change the feel of the towing setup, especially with a heavier TOAD involved. Hearing from someone who actually tested it on the road gives a lot more context than specs alone sometimes can. I think your suggestion about moving the bikes to the TOAD is honestly a really smart alternative for a lot of people, especially if maintaining the best towing stability and control is the priority.

David

5/28/2026

@HeatherA as the saying goes, “It depends.” I learned from those wiser than me that there is a ratio between the wheelbase length of the towing vehicle and the length of (overhang) distance a hitch is from the rear axle. Not a magic number, but a principle. If the wheelbase is long and the rear overhang is short then control feels pretty good. On the other hand if the wheelbase is short (like my 24 ft Class C) and the rear overhang is long (especially with extender) then it is a recipe for bad handling due to the leverage ratio.

Steven B.

5/30/2026

Thank you for the reply Heather & David for your feedback. I have connected the truck with the bike & rack attached and believe there is enough room. When the truck is directly behind the coach there is plenty of room to tow. I then moved the bars to the right, almost at the stop point for turning, reconnected truck and still have some clearance. We travel with two bikes, one about 35LBs and one about 60LBs. Weight of track is about 50LBs I am going to send you some photos Heather as there is not a way to post right here. You can post here is you are able. Thanks all!, Steve

Heather A.

5/30/2026

@StevenB thank you for taking the time to check the setup at both straight ahead and near full turn positions. That is exactly the kind of information I was hoping for. Based on what you described, it sounds like you may already have enough clearance without needing the extender, which is awesome! Feel free to send me those pics at [email protected]