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&...

[work2much]

mike/kellie wrote:

The Blue Ox frame plates are an easy assembly and don't be surprised when you torque the last bolt, you're instructed to wrap additional safety cable through the frame and brackets just in case they tear off the Jeep. There will be about 30' of cable wound under your hood by the time it's done.

Also sold is a system that applies the toad breaks in case of separation.

Sort of makes you wonder if this has happened in the past or just an obsessive abundance of caution. One would think the baseplate securely fastened right to the frame should be a solid mechanical connection.

[HarmsWay]

First trip with our Ready Brake. So far about 2500 miles from BC down through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Arizona. I think I picked the steepest roads. No issues with the tow other than I use more diesel on the hilly roads. I wired up a monitor that lights up an LED on the dash when the Jeep’s brake switch is activated. I saw it come on briefly once on a steep downhill when I downshifted aggressively with the exhaust brake on.

The surge brake does exactly what it should do once adjusted. Having the LED monitor makes the adjustment easier. It comes with a monitor switch on the surge brake to drive an LED but I wanted to know what the Jeep brake pedal was doing so I drive it from the brake switch.

I use a 12” 2.5” to 2” extension plus a 4” hitch riser (which has an additional 7” of extension) and I don’t have any lateral chains as that won’t work with the riser. If I can do some suspension work to eliminate the need for the riser then I may get a 16” or so extension made up with provision for lateral chains. Right now there is no way to anchor the chains on my 2014 Ram either. It doesn’t feel like the Jeep is wiggling back there but who knows. Well I guess the people following me know. I bought a clamp to attach my GoPro to the back of the camper ladder so I’ll know what’s going on when I start back to BC.

I also use an NSA De-Rattler at every hitch transion to stiffen the vertical play.

[discovery4us]

I have used a Brake Buddy Classic on numerous toads and never had a problem. It is essentially the same as a surge brake using an inertia switch and a small compressor as compared to a cable. On the Brake Buddy you can adjust the sensitivity to avoid activation just from the exhaust brake. I would imagine either on the tow bar or through the cable tension you can adjust sensitivity.

My doubles trailer had surge brakes with no adjustment and long down hill grades the brakes would get warm unless I stopped and locked them out.

[mike_kellie]

That's exactly what we have, only in separate pieces. If I hadn't committed to the initial purchase of the tow bar itself, I would have bought the unit that incorporates the surge system like yours.
The Blue Ox frame plates are an easy assembly and don't be surprised when you torque the last bolt, you're instructed to wrap additional safety cable through the frame and brackets just in case they tear off the Jeep. There will be about 30' of cable wound under your hood by the time it's done.

[work2much]

egarant wrote:
I use the same set-up with the Curt model. Make sure to use some heavy duty chains and turnbuckle to get things nice and tight. The 2/5" receiver on the RAM is more than enough to take care of business. Just don't exceed the limits listed on the extension and you golden.

My chain looks like this:

Yes, this is exactly what I had in mind. Thanks for posting!

[work2much]

The company was quick to respond. According to them the exhaust brake wouldn't provide enough pressure on the surge to engage it. I will also only be running 3,000 pounds under the max capacity if that has an affect. There is also adjustment on the cable. I think when I get it set up I will clip a go pro on the hitch so I can see what it does under different conditions.

I used to have a surge brake on our Mastercraft boat trailer. Never had an issue but didn't pull it around in the mountains much. I guess like most things quality varies as well.

[Bedlam]

You may not find your answer here, but search the boat forums on towing through the mountains. Prior to buying my enclosed trailer, I wondered why surge brakes were not used that often except on some off makes. Most of my research was around 2010, but it does not sound like things have changed much. Some guys lock out their surge brakes on downhill slopes (using the reverse pin) while others pull over frequently to allow the trailer brakes to cool even if the tow vehicle may be decelerating with only compression. The first option seemed pretty scary to me...

[work2much]

Bedlam wrote:
Any worries about overheating the brakes on the toad during long downgrades when using a surge brake?

I haven't heard that complaint. I suppose if the grade was steep enough and the engine brake was applying enough resistance the surge could engage just as if you were applying the trucks wheel brakes.

It's a good question. I had the same question regarding the portable footwell braking systems.

I sent off an inquiry to the company. Anyone here using this product have input?

[Bedlam]

Any worries about overheating the brakes on the toad during long downgrades when using a surge brake?

[work2much]

Thanks guys for all the input. It has been very helpful. Not 100% but I think I am going to go with the NSA ReadyBrute. It seems like a quality product. The unit is compatible with the Blue OX baseplate we will be installing soon.

Using the surge brake action will make a more involved install but we won't have to use a supplemental brake inside the Jeep like the Patriot or other similar units which saves hassle and cost down the road.

[egarant]

I use the same set-up with the Curt model. Make sure to use some heavy duty chains and turnbuckle to get things nice and tight. The 2/5" receiver on the RAM is more than enough to take care of business. Just don't exceed the limits listed on the extension and you golden.

My chain looks like this:

[mike_kellie]

Same here.

[zb39]

My sterling tow bar folds up and then pivots 90 degrees down to the left or right so access to the basement is super easy, no issues.

[GpnAZ]

I flat tow using the 42" TL Super Hitch, I guess I feel a little safer in the corners with this setup especially with the JKU. The exhaust brake works super for the downhills but I rely on my Brake Buddy for the quick emergency stops. I have flat towed with different vehicles for over 25 years and about 40,000 miles. The older I get the safer I get, so my setup gets more sophisticated, I did get by with less when I was younger and all this added stuff wasn't even available. Good looking Jeep, you will have a ball with it, we just got back from doing some trails in Moab, what a great place to wander!

[mike_kellie]

check that...folded, I don't know but can check tonight.