24 Inch Hitch Extender Under The TC
Another issue I am trying to figure out with my new TC. Now that I've added the TC, the hitch receiver is "buried" under the TC's steps. There is now 24" from the face of the truck's hitch receiver ...
Forum Discussion
dadwolf2 wrote:
... snipped ... what kind of tongue weight are you expecting? ... Also, don't forget that your hitch receiver doesn't have to go all the way to the edge of the camper, by the time you put the trailer ball in, that extends the pivot point back another 8-9". I still added chains and forged turnbuckles from extended hitch to frame for added strength.
Good question and great points. Of the two trailers we have, the heaviest is a 3,500 lbs. covered cargo trailer. If you go by the 10-15% recommended tongue weight, we're talking 350 - 525 lbs. maximum. We usually run about 3,000 lbs. fully loaded including the trailer and I'd like to keep the tongue weight closer to the 350 mark max. and my welder would also like to see that.
Good point on the trailer ball hitch adding some inches to the overall extension length. If possible I'd still like to have the extension receiver end built flush with the rear edge of the TC.
My welder also explained here in Ontario at least, the safety chains MUST be affixed to the truck frame/existing hitch receiver and not to the extension which would be a big MTO (your DOT) no-no.
