2017 / 2018 Ford Factory 3" Receiver Hitch Extension

[BradW]

Anyone using the 2017 / 2018 Ford factory 3" receiver hitch with an extension while hauling their TC?

I had originally planned on getting a big Torklift hitch, but after looking at the massive 3" OEM hitch, I believe I will use that.

My extension will be 30" to 36" (hole to hole) and pull 7,500 lbs on a WD hitch with about 500 lbs of tongue weight.

Brad

[WyoBull]

I use the following Reese hitch extension for my camper. It is not 3 inch to 2 inch but rather, 2 1/2 inch to 2 inch.

http://www.reeseprod.com/products/hitch-accessories/other-accessories/trailer-hitch-extension/hxyNMzUEThezO4ZpzhR4RkMsE576VeBN

It works great and I haul my utility trailer with ATV, coolers etc. loaded on it. Since your hitch is 3" you could just use your 2 1/2" reducer.

[Bedlam]

I need a weight distribution hitch due to my tongue weight, but I do not need any sway control for my trailer to track straight.

[Kayteg1]

It can be done technically, but will sacrifice the safety.
Lately I was hauling garden sculptures on equipment trailer.
Whole trailer was probably in 8k range, but due to the load shape, the tongue was light.
I could not drive with it faster than 55mph as with any maneuver the trailer would start fishtailing.
That was with no extension, where extension is fishtailing amplifier.

[Bedlam]

I can tell you that the double truss extensions from Torklift have their current rating due to the extension strength and their receivers have more capacity. If you are building your own extension, it will need to be comparable in strength to get similar ratings. I have not seen any other receivers with side plates as large as those used in the SuperHitch, so I question whether these other receivers can take the leverage a long extension exerts on it with any significant weight.

My 20' enclosed trailer is typically loaded at 6000-8000 lbs and has an 800-1000 lb tongue weight. I cannot see a 7500 lb trailer with 500 lb tongue weight unless it is loaded rear heavy or it is a boat.

[jimh406]

There are charts for capacity for WD hitches. Length makes a big difference for anything other than the Super Hitch. You might check those out.

I cut my 2 1/2 down to 18 inches which gives me just enough length for my TC. I cut it short so it wouldn’t be in the way putting down the steps. The downside is there isn’t a lot of room to hookup. Anyway, it worked fine without a WD hitch for my wife’s uncles 18 TT behind my TC to Yellowstone last year.

[mkirsch]

What'd you use for an extension? I could see a piece of 3" square 1/4" wall tubing. That would make an awful strong extension.

[ticki2]

500# tw seems a little low for a 7500# trailer . Is it a boat trailer ?

[Kayteg1]

I bought 3 feet of 3" square tubing to use as extension for about $30.
Tow 1000lb trailer for 600 miles just fine.
The only problem I had was weld inside the tubing, so I grind a grove in 2.5" adapter.
Per my calculation the 3" tubing is stronger than Torklift stinger, but did not have all the measurements for precise calculation.
500 lb on extended hitch is very serious stuff, so you be careful and do some testing before going for long trip.

[guidry]

With my 3 inch hitch receiver I currently use a 48 inch extension and use chain to tighten to my torklifts; but, I tow a small bass boat with not much tongue weight, about 200 lbs. I haven't had any problems towing with that extension. I also had to extend the wiring adapter.