What are my options besides a Super Hitch?

[Slackjaw]

I have a new '15 F250 that I want to put a truck camper on and pull a steel trailer and 4-wheelers, or pull a small aluminum boat.

I don't think I can simply buy a 3' extension because it will cut my hitch weight rating in 1/2. Only thing that I can find to allow me to tow 4,000-5,000 lbs 3' +/- off the bumper is a super hitch/super truss.

Is there any other product out there that I should look at for towing and carrying a truck camper?

[Bedlam]

A SuperHitch is cheap compared to the hitch dollies...

[gijoecam]

What about one of those dolly wheels that supports the trailer tongue? I can't think of any of the manufacturers offhand, but it's essentially a hitch extension that carries the weight of the trailer tongue rather than the truck... I've seen them mounted on the back of Class-A motorhomes to support the massive tongue weights of stacker trailers...

[trail-explorer]

Torklift SUperhitch is the way to go. DOwnside is, they are expensive. Upside is, you might find a supertruss for a discount on craigslist in your area.

[Slackjaw]

Great point Bedlam. Didn't think about the fact it's a relatively small portion of the rv market that's looking for extensions. I'll probably end up going that route too.

[Bedlam]

You have to realize that towing with an extension is a unique application mostly limited to truck campers although a few people loading UTV's in their truck beds also use a SuperTruss extension. Torklift designed theirs well and there is not a large volume of demand for these beefy receivers, so competition will be tough for someone to step in with a better or less expensive equal product. The Magnum line of SuperHitches is getting noticed in the construction and farming trades due to their 20K-30K lb capacities, but there are few a competitors with those ratings as long as you don't plan on using extensions with 10K+ lbs.

If you are handy with metal, you can make your own extension for less. Once you have to pay someone for the labor, you are better off purchasing a product that has some engineering and proven history behind. I mention this because I have now bought two of these receivers and did research alternatives before spending my money.

[Slackjaw]

hawkeye-08 wrote:
Is there a reason you are looking for options besides a SuperHitch?

Just wanted to know if there was another product out there that I hadn't heard of. So far the Super Hitch/Truss seems like the best bet.

[Bedlam]

One of the truck camper members made his own extension by connecting into the frame rails and receiver. If you are looking to purchase something instead of build, the Torklift product is the only purchase that delivers. My F250 had the 17K SuperHitch and now my 5500 has a 20K SuperHitch Magnum.

[hawkeye-08]

Is there a reason you are looking for options besides a SuperHitch?


I just installed one on my truck and am very pleased. I would not be afraid to use the extension (not needed for my current usage) properly setup.

There are likely others out there... just curious.

[trail-explorer]

The folks in the truck camper forum will recommend the TorkLift Superhitch, which is what I would recommend too.

[reddwar]

I would call B & W in Humboldt where they are made at 800-810-4918 as they are sharp & could build it or tell you if it can safely be done.

red

[tonymull]

An option is to keep the camper length to that of your bed and avoid the extension. I was specific about this as some of my favorite spots involve fording small streams and a camper that hangs over the back can bottom out. Came to this realization by watching and helping a guy who was sooo stuck.

[VintageRacer]

I used a Reese Towbeast when I was in your situation. You want to really watch the weight of the camper, an F250 is not known for having a lot of payload available. My F250 is around 2600 lbs of payload. I used a 24" extension and used a dual-cam WD hitch with 1200 lb bars for an 8,000 lb trailer. It really picked the back of the truck up, counter-acting the leverage, and when loaded the truck was perfectly level. My truck (Dodge 2500 at the time) was about exactly at it's GVWR when loaded for the road with the camper and the trailer, so it can be done.

[AH64ID]

The weight limit is more than just for the extension. The leverage will really increase the load on the hitch to frame bolts, and the extension puts far more weight on the rear axle than without.

[Peg_Leg]

I made a extension for my BIL's 96 chevy. He pulled a 19' I/O. Stacked some tubing that they used to transport semi tractors. Had two slide in trays that he would carry things on under the overhang.

You just have to beef it up so the length will support the weight. Bumps in the road can easily double the load on the hitch.