Somebody tell me I'm reading this right. To put a hitch extension in the range of 34-48", one has to have a 2 1/2" receiver as there are no 2" extensions that long. To use the torklift tiedowns at the rear the receiver needs the ends of the cross bar open to accept the square tube. The only one made to accept the tie downs is torklift's own dual receiver hitch opening, which cost almost $900!And when that unit is purchased, the tie down for the factory hitch no longer applies unless there is a sleeve that will fit between the tow or some other similar fabrication attempt as tork lift lists a different tie down number. So for a possible another grand one can have the extension needed to clear a 3-4 ft. overhang. This just keeps getting better and better........

What will you be towing on that extension?

I guess the torklift tie downs bolt on to the ends of the receiver, whichever brand is used. Hard to imagine the stability of bolts holding the tie downs/camper on. Guess the tie downs don't insert into the receiver as they do on OEM receiver. And someone said on one of the reviews they will bolt to the Curt receiver, much cheaper alternative. BradW--nothing like a house, just a small trailer with dry goods. The limit would have to be about 8k# to stay under GAWR.

Torklift stuff is good, but never was cheap. The rear tie-downs are easy to manufacture or modify and any welder can do it in about 1 hr. 4 ft extension is no joke, but than when you are facing $1000 in attachment, that makes good point to consider truck upgrade. For my 2017 model, I spend $35 for 3" tubing that makes 4 ft extension. Per rough calculation 3" tubing is stronger than TL supertrust.Saves about 100lb from hitch weight as well.

Well this forum keeps tossing responses.......11-12' camper, 8klb trailer, 20' + on 10k axles, 20 year old truck, yes you are hauling a house. Buy the right hitch extension, no questions asked, or have one fabbed up. You ever tow/haul this much before? Got mods? It'll be a slow trip otherwise.

Get a 2.5" hitch from newer ford truck. Usually can find them in junk yards from wrecked trucks.

Receiver hitch extension for 2000 Ford | Good Sam Community

29 Replies

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2018
Check it again. With 2.5" receiver, the cross tube is likely 2.5" as well, meaning you need 2" adapter to go down to your tie-down size.
Marcela
Explorer
Dec 27, 2018
Bought a hitch off a 2012 f350 with 2.5" insert and it is a direct fit. Maybe an inch lower on the insert and the cross tube is larger so have to find a 2.5" x 2" x 1' piece to go in each end for the tie downs to slip in so they won't move around too much.

$85 + tax much better then $240 + having to change the tie downs.
Marcela
Explorer
Dec 26, 2018
Good ideas and thoughts. I am going to take some measurements and see how long the trailer tongue is and how long the receiver needs to be to keep from cutting the corner off the camper, instead of extending the hitch all the way out maybe just far enough to clear the corners and maybe use the factory 2" receiver if I need to only go a couple feet, and still be able to use the existing rear tie downs.

Next step would be to find an OEM hitch with 2.5" insert. Kind of goes downhill from there.

Don't think I'll ever use the 8k# theory, more like 1.5k#. If I got serious with a bigger trailer would probably go class 4 or 5.
Grit_dog
Navigator II
Dec 26, 2018
BradW wrote:
The thing about extended trailer tongues is they greatly limit the approach angle of the rig.

Especially for 11’ campers like the op is accommodating. And possibly not even an option depending how low the rear overhang on the camper is.
BradW
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2018
The thing about extended trailer tongues is they greatly limit the approach angle of the rig.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2018
In the above situation- trailer pushing extended hitch 8 feet behind rear axle will jack-knife the set way faster than trailer with extended tongue pushing the hitch 4 feet behind the axle.
But extending tongue by 4' is not that easy and crawling under the camper to make the hitch is not really appealing.
BradW
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2018
burningman wrote:

I can tell you which setup I’d rather have if I have to hit the brakes on a curve in the rain!

Agreed. Good working trailer brakes are a must with an extended hitch.
burningman
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2018
Hitch extension cons: no matter how sturdy the extension is, moving the hitch point further aft of the axle is bad. That’s why goosenecks and 5th wheels tow better.
Not much of an issue with relatively light trailers behind heavy pickups, but in the 8000 pound and up category, it starts becoming a real thing.
Plus, as mentioned, big extensions are extra heavy clunky junk to attach every time you load the camper.

People do it, it’ll work, but it sure isn’t ideal. I think it’s only popular because it’s a ready-made store bought solution, while a trailer stretch is custom work. Simple easy custom work.

I can tell you which setup I’d rather have if I have to hit the brakes on a curve in the rain!
ticki2
Explorer
Dec 25, 2018
8k# is not exactly a small trailer when also carrying a TC and being 6 ft behind the rear axle . Check all the components carefully .
hornet28
Explorer
Dec 25, 2018
I've done the same as burningman and it worked great. If it's designed correctly it can be easily removable instead of permanent

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Receiver hitch extension for 2000 Ford

29 Replies

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