Trailer extension

I have read many post on many subjects over the years. When a statement is made that something is or is not legal, I typically ask for a reference to that particular law. The reason I ask, is to avoid repeating misinformation. A good example is the venders that publish the towing laws by state. Many are incorrect, but do help them sell their product.

I do not know if there are any laws on hitches or extensions, but I have never seen one identified in a vehicle code. I have never heard it is illegal to make your own hitch extension. As for stickers stating the legality of a given product, I would like to see the vehicle code that supports the claim. It is very common, and I think a good thing, for manufactures to suggest information about the use of their products. If something is the law, cite where is in the vehicle code.

I have no axe to grind with any hitch manufacture, but sure would like truth in advertising. My post on this subject is not intended to reflect negatively on anyone. I will continue to ask for verification if something is said to be the law. I think it is too important to be ignored.

Wayne

I use a 32 inch SuperHitch and it works fine. I load the trailer to keep the hitch weight low, but enough to prevent fishtailing. I also have trailer brakes.

Chuck

maximus wrote:
I'm sort of in the market for a new truck camper and maybe a new truck. I'd like to start pulling a fishing boat or cargo trailer behind my rig at times. I can buy a camper that ends at the tailgate of a truck or one that hangs over. If I buy the maximum camper, I'll have to use the extension. I'd like to hear from those who have had experience with the extension. Would I be better off getting a truck with the 8' bed and then buying a camper that had no overhang or is the extension manageable as long as I observe the reduced weight/towing capacity that is necessary with them?
thanks,
don, shadow cruiser

The real good quality extensions work fine, but the least amount of extension that you need, the better off you will be. I certainly would buy a truck with an 8' bed if you want a large camper. The wheel base is a major factor. As far as the rear "hang over" you have really depends on the type of camper you purchase. If you know you are going to be towing large loads, try to keep the rear hang over to a minimum.

Replying to the "legality", I just took the word of the owner of the hitch place, as well as the RV dealer where I bought my camper. Mine is a Reese hitch and extension, and works well. My trailer also has brakes. I never did check with the DOT as to the legality, but I feel better with beefier setup.

Class V hitch is Wt carrying -500 tongue wt , 5000 trailer wt
18" extention like Reese is rated to 350 tongue , 3500 trailer
If you can live within those weights thats a good length , wont drag to much if at all, just make sure you add safty chains to reach the truck . I have towed lots of boats to 18 ft bass boats like that and a 6x10 enclosed cargo also , all under 3500lbs . Good combo for campers to 9 1/2 to 10 foot

It says these weights right on the extention , Legal
If you make your own it dosent , not legal


But Ive also had superhitch for longer campers and higher weight trailers , the best

But they will drag if you get longer than a foot and a half or so depending on the drop of the reciver you use, superhitch makes a roller wheel if you drag , mostly Ive draged going into gas stations and stores going over raised and lowered sidewalks and such

Camper wise , I find that a camper under 9 1/2 to 10 ft is not big enough for a reasonable layout , decent size bath ....

Given that I did have 8 " campers w/no bath years ago and thought that was heaven at the time

I think a 10" camper is real a real good length to tow with

You didnt ask but brakes on the trailer make life and safty better with a truck camper , surge or electric

I have a camper that requires a 48" super truss extension to clear the bumper, coupled with a WD hitch it has pulled my Sundowner Valulite 727 3 horse slant load trailer over 10,000 miles up and down mountain ranges full of horses with no issues

Rickj91 wrote:
... This also meant I had to go to a Class V receiver (2 1/2")as the OEM receiver is not stout enough nor legal. ...

The OEM receiver may or may not be stout enough, but on what do you base it as not being legal? I understand each state and province (Canada) have different laws. It would be great if you have a link or vehicle code with receiver requirements.

Wayne

I just went through this exercise having bought a 2013 850 Wolf Creek with the fox landing step and bumper. This meant I had to go from my 18 inch extension to a 34 inch. This also meant I had to go to a Class V receiver (2 1/2")as the OEM receiver is not stout enough nor legal. Also had to go with new rear tie downs. It's just money! All this to pull my 6 X 12 Cargo trailer, but it works great. Have to be creative in the bush going through deep dips, but it works.

2nd the superhitch with a 36 extension..adventure 86fb pulling a 21ft bass boat solid as a rock..worth the money..

I have an 11' camper which means I need a 48" extension. I pull my boat on a tandem trailer, the total weight is around 4,500 pounds. Sometimes I pull my 14' cargo trailer which is probably around 5,000 pounds.
I started out with a Reese 48" extension in the factory Chevy 2.5" receiver. It worked fine. I didn't have any problems. I changed trucks to one that didn't have a 2.5" receiver. Instead of upgrading the receiver to a 2.5" I upgraded to a Superhitch. I know have the Superhitch 48" extension. It is a lot sturdier than the Reese. The turnbuckles take out what little slop there is. It's rated for 12,000 pounds with WD at that length and I don't doubt them for a minute.
If your trailers are small and you have a 2.5" receiver then the Reese may be fine. I know you'll have no problems with a Superhitch.