Hitch Extenders

[work2much]

I know this has been discussed more than once but search wasn't turning up results.

We have a Ram 3500 with a 2-1/2 inch receiver. Our TC extends approximately 36" past the trucks receiver box. We will be flat towing a Jeep Wrangler that should weight 4500 pounds or so.

I know many folks use a Torklift Supertruss. I was hoping to use the factory receiver with something like this and cut to length.


https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Adapters/Reese/RP45018.html

I would add diagonal chain back to the truck frame similar to what the super truss has. Suggestions?

I am also looking for advice on the towing apparatus. So far Blue Ox seems to be common and well liked. I am also considering their patriot brake. Open to suggestions. Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ox-BRK2016-Brake-System/dp/B01LYA4FEV/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541281724&...

[mike_kellie]

They fit fine. I can roll out the storage bin and set them on top of our chairs when we unhook and slide it back in effortlessly. I don't regret how I went about it but I ended up buying the surge brake component separately after changing my mind about other braking systems. Then I bought a 4" drop so the tow bar is pretty level. So I do have a couple more pins to pull than the newer 1 piece RM tow bar.

[work2much]

mike/kellie wrote:

workto much wrote:
How was setting up the Ready Brute brake? Have you been happy with it?

Very happy with it. I was able to tow my wife around in the Jeep when I first set it up so she could report back that indeed the foot brake was being pulled towards the floor. You can't precisely measure how much it contributes to the overall braking as it's reacting to the piston in the surge unit, so it's a "feels good to me" science.
2 holes penetrate the firewall and 1 clamp (I believe it's the emergency break-away) can secure both cables higher up on the pedal.
I can have Kellie take a couple pictures and post them to the Host Mammoth FB page or post them here. I do have the emergency break-away connection tucked back as far out of view as possible. There are reports of schmucks pulling that cable and locking up your brakes while parked.

Thanks Mike. That was my primary question. How to calibrate. Different amounts of lever pull on the hitch will react differently in different vehicles. And as you note how to quantify. I assume you can adjust slack in the cable system or possibly even pre-load to some degree.

One other question regarding the tow bars themselves. In the folded/ not towing position is there any conflicts getting into the basement storage on the Mammoth?

[mike_kellie]

workto much wrote:
How was setting up the Ready Brute brake? Have you been happy with it?

Very happy with it. I was able to tow my wife around in the Jeep when I first set it up so she could report back that indeed the foot brake was being pulled towards the floor. You can't precisely measure how much it contributes to the overall braking as it's reacting to the piston in the surge unit, so it's a "feels good to me" science.
2 holes penetrate the firewall and 1 clamp (I believe it's the emergency break-away) can secure both cables higher up on the pedal.
I can have Kellie take a couple pictures and post them to the Host Mammoth FB page or post them here. I do have the emergency break-away connection tucked back as far out of view as possible. There are reports of schmucks pulling that cable and locking up your brakes while parked.

[Grit_dog]

21klbs is a lot of weight for sure. Apparently you're loaded for bear with that camper and the Jeep must be full too...
Either way, yeah at that weight, you're correct. My bad.

[Kayteg1]

The toad brakes is whole issue on its own and you will find lot of pages about it - especially in ClasA section.
Most of states require brakes on trailer at 1500lb or more.
But toad is not a trailer and law interpretation opens whole can of worms.
Lot of owners of Diesel Pushers prized aux brakes for saving their behind in emergency and that can only amplify on lighter truck/TC combo, but the truth is that you have no obligation to have it.
Point is that lot of car dollies have no brakes.

[work2much]

mike/kellie wrote:
I can only respond to the braking system. I bought the Ready Brute with surge.

How was setting up the Ready Brute brake? Have you been happy with it?

[work2much]

Grit dog wrote:

No aux brakes needed unless you really want them, and at that, if you felt the need for a surge system on the toad, you may consider a compression brake for your truck vs the aux braking in the jeep. Pac Brake load leash.

Between the Truck, Camper and Jeep we will be 21k or so. The truck does have a factory exhaust brake that is quite effective. Still though I think brakes on the Jeep need to be there in case of emergency stop.

I am a bit perplexed as to the options. I see Blue OX and Roadmaster make portables that sit in the drivers well.

I also am looking at NSA Ready Brake which used a cable from the hitch to the brake pedal in the Jeep. This is the simplest and cheapest. Obviously a little more work involved in setting it up. Sure would be nice not having to store and install the footwell style.

[mike_kellie]

He's right. The other camp which I belong to is our Jeep is MY daily driver and when we go out into the back country, she is the one who has fun with it. Nice Jeep!

[zb39]

Thats a great pic of the jeep, I say let your wife run with all the accessories she wants. It will be your turn next!!

[work2much]

GeoBoy wrote:
Just remember. JEEP - Just, Empty, Every, Pocket.;) Just kidding. We almost bought a new one this summer, but really didn’t want a third vehicle so we are going to rent a vehicle if we feel the need.

No kidding. My wife has been looking at accessories. :0 This is the first vehicle that seems to have truly unlocked her geeky side.

[GeoBoy]

Just remember. JEEP - Just, Empty, Every, Pocket.;) Just kidding. We almost bought a new one this summer, but really didn’t want a third vehicle so we are going to rent a vehicle if we feel the need.

[work2much]

zb39 wrote:
I am ordering a Rockhard aluminum bumper with winch. It has built in brackets for the sterling that bolt to the frame.

Nice. I saw a video of that set-up. I think we are just going basic. We don't plan on extreme wheeling. We just picked up the jeep. I may go with a small tire upgrade at some point, but for now it's just going to be wife's daily and our toad for traveling. We will definitely get out on the trails. Just ordered the Blue OX baseplate. Looks straightforward to install. Haven't decided yet on the towbar BO vs RM

[mike_kellie]

Very nice. It could very expensive not doing your homework.

[zb39]

I am ordering a Rockhard aluminum bumper with winch. It has built in brackets for the sterling that bolt to the frame.

[mike_kellie]

One last thing not mentioned. If you plan on an aftermarket front bumper and winch, check to make sure your base plates and tow bar couplers are compatable. They all try to use the same factory pre-drilled holes.