Forum Discussion

emcvay's avatar
emcvay
Explorer III
Apr 02, 2018

OEM hitch with 36" extension?

OK, before I rush out and spend too much more money I am trying to find some good information.

I have a 3900lbs sawmill that I tow to the job site, it's tongue weight is very low (I need to measure but I'm guessing 150-200 lbs max since it's so easy to pick up and move by hand.

I need to hitch it up behind our new 990 but need about 36 to clear the rear of the camper and have no worries when backing it up (with corners/turning etc)....the old setup I could just hook it right up to the hitch and go but with the AF 990 I can't do that anymore.

Thoughts? I have a 2" receiver on the truck now that appears to be stock though it's clearly a bolt on unit and pretty heavy.

Our old setup

38 Replies

  • emcvay's avatar
    emcvay
    Explorer III
    The extension is for 2 1/2" receivers though. That's the issue I have. Can't seem to find one that long for a 2"
  • I would go with the following:

    Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V XD - 2" $245
    Specs:

    Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
    Rating: Class V
    Maximum gross trailer weight: 17,000 lbs
    Maximum GTW when used with weight distribution: 17,000 lbs
    Maximum tongue weight: 2,550 lbs
    Maximum TW when used with weight distribution: 2,550 lbs
    Limited lifetime warranty

    Curt Hitch Extension and Reducer for 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches - 24" to 34" Long $134
    Specs:

    Application: 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" trailer hitch receivers
    Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
    Extension length:
    24" From center of hitch pin hole furthest from edge to center of hitch pin hole
    34" From center of hitch pin hole closest to edge to center of hitch pin hole
    Weight capacity when used with 24" length:
    Maximum gross trailer weight: 6,000 lbs
    Maximum GTW when used with weight distribution: 8,000 lbs
    Maximum tongue weight: 600 lbs
    Maximum TW when used with weight distribution: 800 lbs

    Weight capacity when used with 34" length:
    Maximum gross trailer weight: 4,500 lbs
    Maximum GTW when used with weight distribution: 6,000 lbs
    Maximum tongue weight: 450 lbs
    Maximum TW when used with weight distribution: 600 lbs
    Limited lifetime warranty
  • Any of the extensions other than a SuperTruss will require fabrication to mount the side chains. I think you may have to change rear tie downs even if you go with a Curt receiver.

    If you decide go with the Torklift setup, get the part numbers you need off their site and search prices on those part numbers. Ballpark prices should be $500 for the SuperHitch, $500 for the SuperTruss and $250 for the tie downs.

    When I upgraded my Ford receiver, I was able to sell my old OEM receiver locally for over $100. That may at least take a little sting out of your upgrade cost. This is my second SuperHitch, SuperTruss and set of FastGuns so I am aware that it is not the cheapest option, but it has been the best option for my use.
  • emcvay's avatar
    emcvay
    Explorer III
    I just couldn't find any 24" extensions for 2" receivers. Specially not with chains etc. I might talk to my local guy but I'm also not sure 24" is enough with the back bumper on the camper.

    Seems like I really need a 36" min extension so I may just have to bite the bullet and go with the super hitch but then I also have to get new rear tie downs -- grrr
  • The AF 990 is a 10' camper, so you should be able to use an extension around 24" - My 9' AF811 required a 28" extension on my short bed Ford.



    With the weight you want to tow, you will not need a SuperHitch unless you have later plans for something heavier. If you can stay with 2' extension, I think the OEM hitch will handle the leverage of load. I would still use side chains on the extension to limit lateral forces on the receiver.

    If you have use a longer extension, I would not put my trust in the OEM receiver. You could replace it with 2.5" Titan and 2.5" extension, but I would replace it a SuperHitch at this point and not worry about having enough capacity in the future and having to do it again.
  • emcvay's avatar
    emcvay
    Explorer III
    I was trying to find a Reese that had a similar super truss style extension. The truck is a 2010 F350 SD 4x4
  • I'm no expert, but I'd be a bit leery of that. I can't tell the brand of the truck, but some of the GM's used to have a reputation for breaking hitches without an extension. It is be the bending moment on the hitch that is the problem. I'd change over to a large 2-1/2" Reese, plenty strong enough and much lower price than the Torklift.
  • Manufacturers of 36 inch extensions for 2 inch receivers say...?