Forum Discussion

RZAR66's avatar
RZAR66
Explorer
Dec 30, 2014

Towing questions

I'm looking to possibly buy a Side x side/UTV and would like to tow it behind my camper. I measured from the hitch face to the camper bumper and it is 40 inches. Do I need something like Torklifts Super Hitch or can I get away with just an extension utilizing the factory class V hitch? I'm guessing a UTV on a trailer cannot weigh more than 3000 pounds but that's just a guess. I have no idea what the tongue weight would be. The UTV I'm interested in weighs about 1500 lbs.

19 Replies

  • Thanks for all the input.

    I missed the Curt brand extension. Will have to see if they make a longer one. Interesting to see that it is much cheaper than the Reese.
  • Curt also makes a 2 1/2" extension and it's much cheaper than the Reese. My BIL is using that extension at 34" in his factory Ford receiver and towing his Commander with it.

    I'm only towing an ATV trailer so my superhitch/supertruss is overkill but I was trying to plan ahead to be able to tow whatever I wanted without worry.

    found the link for you.

    Curt extension

    woops: I just realized this one may be too short for you, I thought they made a longer one too but can't find it at the moment.
  • RZAR66 wrote:
    Nice looking rig Jumbojet. Looks almost as good as mine.:)

    I know my hitch is rated for towing 15K but need to look up tongue specs. So i take it a Super Hitch would be overkill.

    Would something like this work? http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Accessories/Reese/RP45018.html


    That extension would work just fine.

    I used a similar extension for years until I installed the SuperHitch & SuperTruss. The "cantilevered" extension finally started bending a little - reason I went with the SuperTruss. The 5,200 lb. BBQ trailer bent the 36" extension.

    Your rig is "almost" as nice looking as my ;) 2013 RAM 3500 with 2011 Lance 1050S.
  • MORSNOW's avatar
    MORSNOW
    Navigator III
    I tow a 16' aluminum trailer with two ATV's in my factory receiver and a 24" extension with no issues. Your tongue weight with a lite trailer and ATV's is minimal.





    Please note, maximum photo Width=640

    Wayne
    Moderator
  • I used a Reese 48" extension in my '07 Chevy's factory 2.5" receiver. I pulled a boat or a cargo trailer, both weighing about 4,500 pounds. I was well within the ratings of the hitch and extension. I had no problems in 3 years. You should be fine, you've got much less weight and tongue weight.
  • I did replace my factory OEM hitch with a Reese Titan and I use the Reese 41" extension. I had my trailer custom made in all aluminum with electric brakes. I haul a 1400 lb Yamaha Rhino. Just be careful about using the factory hitch. I replaced mine after one of the forum members warned me that the welds on his factory hitch started to fail while using a long extension. There was no comparison when I removed the OEM hitch and laid it beside the Titan.
  • Something similar to this.



    My extension is 36" and I have the SuperHitch with a SuperTruss - mainly because I also have a 5,200 lb. double axle smoker I also pull around.

    The UTV and the single axle trailer are not even noticeable when traveling. UTV weighs 1,400 lbs.


    Please note, maximum photo Width=640

    Wayne
    Moderator
  • You should be fine. Look at your hitch to see what the tongue weight capacity is...usually 10% of the hitch capacity. Class V will be at least 10K or 1K tongue weight. Half that for the extension effect...so if your tongue weight is under 500, and yours sounds like 150 or so, you will be just fine. Add some weight distribution and you'll be even finer ;-)