Forum Discussion

mikeashford's avatar
mikeashford
Explorer
May 07, 2013

Towing with a T/C

Tomarrow I may be buying a 2004 GMC 3500 duely with a Duramax Diesel and also putting money down on a new Artic Fox 1150. It then looks like it's pretty easy to spend $4000 or more on stability items.
Love to spend that money......... :^)

I was thinking about the logistics of towing my small motorcycle trailer behind the behemoth 1150. So, I purchase a hitch extender of some sort for the length it needs to span. When I get to a camp spot I guess I will have to off load the motorcycle, disconnect the trailer and move it away before getting the truck and camper situated. If we are going to be staying for a while and want to use the truck, I would think I would need to remove the hitch extension, correct? Hopefully, it is easy to install and remove.

Have I got the process basically figured out?

Mike in Oly
Truck Campers
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    May 07, 2013
    If you flag the extension or run a receiver light, you can leave the extension in place.
  • pa_traveler's avatar
    pa_traveler
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    I was just at a truck camper rally,there were several bikes on a versahaul mounted on front of truck.They were in the 300lb range.
  • noteven's avatar
    noteven
    Explorer III
    May 07, 2013
    We don't remove our Super-Truss extension for excursions from camp unhooked from the trailer - the receiver face is nearly flush with the rear of the camper.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    May 07, 2013
    2004 GMC ? I would not use the stock OEM receiver with any extension , they were weak. I replaced mine with a CURT 2.5"
    2.5" ext. bar
    You will add a bar that fits 2.5" into the recvr. and the other end accepts any standard 2x2 head . The bar sold is 48" , you cut it down to whatever length you need to clear the camper bumper .
    .....You will need to add a length of safety chain and a longer trailer connector plug .....

    If you remove the trailer and camper you will want to remove the ext. bar otherwise someone will bang into it .
  • KansasKen's avatar
    KansasKen
    Explorer
    May 08, 2013
    I tend to agree using the stock rcvr with an extension may not be the best, but with a light load you may be within specs. I changed my rcvr out for a TorkLIft Super Hitch and 48" extension. I leave it on when the camper is not on (and tailgate removed), but I put one of those made for a receiver tailights in. It looks funky and people ask what I haul, but it saves the hassle of removing the extension (undoing the the two safety chains/turnbuckles then lifting the heavy thing out). Just be sure to watch your rear end when backing.

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