$500 math question on extending ball mount shank

:) Hi, the only math that I know is that my 12" shank was too short for me to fully open my tailgate. The only other shank that I could find that would work for me (same drop) was an 18" shank. I had a new pin hole drilled 2"s back making it a 16" shank and had them cut 1" off of the end to clear my spare tire. I gained 4"s and don't feel any difference while towing.

drsteve wrote:
According to eTrailer, a 12" extension reduces your tongue weight capacity and tow rating by 50%.

https://www.etrailer.com/search/Hitch+Extension

Second item down the list...

Op here, Thank you...So, every inch of extension I loose 4.17 percent.

I did read on-line (unknown if true or not) that hitch ratings are based upon... 10 inches back from hitch cross member at center mass. So the first 10 inches are free then after 10 inches subtract 4.17 percent for every inch.

According to eTrailer, a 12" extension reduces your tongue weight capacity and tow rating by 50%.

https://www.etrailer.com/search/Hitch+Extension

Second item down the list...

All I can say is I've tried to remove lug nuts, bolts, etc with a standard length ratchet, wrench, whatever and if the nut don't turn, I slide a pipe in the end and dang, it takes the thing off without almost any effort...

Guess that's why the say, "give me a long enough lever, I can move the world.." or something to that effect..

I would think the same thing applies to extending a hitch?

It's all about leverage, so take it from there and do what you need to do..

Good luck!

Mitch

The length difference from the fulcrum is so minor that it doesn't really make any difference.

Torque is the force times the distance.
So it would be the ratio of the two distances. The original distance and the new distance.