Using a 48" Extension on hitch

RoyB wrote:
Be sure to get MELLO MIKE's blessings... He runs with lots of Truck Campers with long extensions...

I always thought this one was neat from his blog page showing a long extended hitch with chains to make it stable..


google image

Roy Ken

That is a Superhitch. Use you're browser's zoom function and you can clearly see that is a SuperTruss, and the Superhitch name on the right.

Ivylog wrote:
When did they stop teaching geometry in school? Even the hitch extension above is doubled up with chains for a trailer with three inflatable boats... 1000 lbs or less. Just because you can buy something it does not mean it's safe to use.

I'm not understanding your point. Can you clarify?

When did they stop teaching geometry in school? Even the hitch extension above is doubled up with chains for a trailer with three inflatable boats... 1000 lbs or less. Just because you can buy something it does not mean it's safe to use.

Hitches don't need to have extensions to fail. There have been many documented cases of hitches failing for other reasons.

In any case, you have to keep in mind that the max rating is for the extension. Reese, for instance, rates their extensions. Take a look at their site, but here are some examples. NOTE: they are way under SuperHitch ratings for the same lengths.

http://www.reeseprod.com/products/hitch-accessories/other-accessories/trailer-hitch-extension/hxyNMzUEThezO4ZpzhR4RkmmwA%7CEZYPL

Titan®, Receiver Extension, 2-1/2" to 2" Extension
24" Length 600/6,000 lbs. WC & 800/8,000 lbs. WD
34" Length 450/4,500 lbs. WC & 600/6,000 lbs. WD
41" Length 500/5,000 lbs. WC & 750/7,500 lbs. WD
48" Length 400/4,000 lbs. WC & 600/6,000 lbs. WD

Some SuperHitch numbers with Truss for comparison.

SuperTruss Extension
48" Extension And WD, 1,200 Lbs Tongue, 12,000 Lbs Pull
48" Extension Without Weight Distribution 600 Lbs Tongue, 6,000 Lbs Pull

I just picked up the 48 inch extension and plan on towing a light weight motorcycle and trailer, probably under 1k lbs. I am not sure if you plan on towing a horse in that trailer but I would be hesitant to tow something irreplaceable with that hitch setup.

Be sure to get MELLO MIKE's blessings... He runs with lots of Truck Campers with long extensions...

I always thought this one was neat from his blog page showing a long extended hitch with chains to make it stable..


google image

Roy Ken

With boaty on this. Superhitch and truss.

Any time this question comes up, I post this. PLEASE read this and understand - if you put an extension on a hitch NOT SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED for one, you run a very high risk of failure.

This is my true story----

I *think* I'm safe to say I haul one of the biggest/heaviest combo's on the TC forum. 2-slide Eagle Cap@~6800lbs, plus a 26' Wells Cargo 10k trailer. In my years, I've spent a lot of time and money to get my rig where it's at.

My white knuckle experience came doing exactly what you're referring to. Years ago, I had an F250, hauling an average TC at the time, and a 20' ski boat ski boat @about 4500lbs. I had a 2 foot extension on a Reese Class V hitch. Didn't think I was doing anything wrong at the time.

Went in to Torklift one day in Kent to buy some rear tie downs. They inspected my truck, said sure, and they'd even install them for free.

OK.

20 minutes later, they came and grabbed me and said they refused to work on my truck.

ok.. why?

The hitch extension had made the hitch fail. There was a large crack running down the passenger's side mount bolts to the frame.

I turned white... One good hard bump and I could've had the hitch fall right out from under the truck. I immediately had them put on a SuperHitch and haven't looked back since.

The moral of my TRUE story - DO NOT guess, estimate, or figure you can safely run a hitch extension. Only a Superhitch is engineered and DOT approved to run a hitch extension.


....I now step off my soap box.

If the hitch is too long, it could be cut down. If too long, you have potential step interference. I cut mine down from 24 to 18 for that reason. Are you sure you need 41? Extra length puts more strain on everything and changes you angle of approach.