set up to tow my boat

[fuelhauler]

I know some will suggest a tork lift super hitch but I don't have a grand to spend right now. My boat & trailer weight 1600 lbs. my TW 145lbs. The distance from my truck bumper to the camper bumper is 30" so I bought a 36" extension for my 2" dealer hitch. I bought a 8" solid piece to weld inside the extension to go into my receiver. It has the pin hole in it. I may cut down the extension to where it just clears the TC bumper. I'll add chains & turn buckles for stability. anybody use a set up like this with no problems?



Glenn

[fuelhauler]

I haven't got it all together yet. I don't have a picture host but if you want to shoot me your e-mail in a pm when I get it together in a day or so I'll send a few pics.

[Mote]

fuelhauler wrote:
I bought a 36" extension from Etrailer & 8" solid piece that slides in the end of the 2" extension & my 2" receiver. After I figure out how far beyond the tc I want it I'll cut to length & weld the solid into the extension. weld on some tabs for the safety chains & a couple of chain links welded to the extension to hook the turn buckles to for side stability.

Do have any pictures of that set up ?

[languiduck]

Oh I see, I missed the part where you said you were going to cut it down.

[fuelhauler]

languiduck wrote:
But if you are only hanging over 30", why did you go with a 36" extension? The less you use, the better I'd think.

Because the only other length they offered was a 24" & I didn't feel that was long enough. Figured I could easily cut the 36" down to size with the cut off saw I have access to.

[work2fish]

I am pulling a 17' Lund Fisherman (~2800 lbs) with an 18" extension and have no problems. Sure is nice to be able to open the camper door while the boat is hitched up! 🙂

[languiduck]

I'm only using an 18" extension and flat towing, but I have a friend with a long overhang and he made himself a 36" extension and is doing just what you are with his factory hitch on his Dodge, and he is pulling a a 7000# loaded car hauler with no issue. In fact he isn't even using the stabilizing chains anymore. It's not something I would personally do but it seems to be working. I'd think you are good with the lighter weight you mentioned. But if you are only hanging over 30", why did you go with a 36" extension? The less you use, the better I'd think.

[fuelhauler]

I bought a 36" extension from Etrailer & 8" solid piece that slides in the end of the 2" extension & my 2" receiver. After I figure out how far beyond the tc I want it I'll cut to length & weld the solid into the extension. weld on some tabs for the safety chains & a couple of chain links welded to the extension to hook the turn buckles to for side stability.

[Area13]

I have a 9'6" camper and a boat in tow, went with this extra long receiver. http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Hidden-Hitch/80233.html




I also cut down my winch post for more room between it and my camper and I can jack my boat almost completely sideways without touching, works great, easy and inexpensive.

***EDIT*** It looks like you have 30" between your bumper and camper bumper? I'm pretty sure i'm less than that, don't have a "camper" bumper, I'm flush in the rear of my camper so it may not work for your camper.

[DoneItAll]

I plan on doing the same. The extension is ready to go; just need to add chains and turnbuckles.

John

[Bedlam]

With that light load, that should work fine. If you plan to tow heavier or were running one of the weaker GM receivers, I would have discouraged you from trying this.

[Bigfoot_affair]

That's what I had with a heavier boat. Never had any issues.