Hitch extension on factory reciever...?

[fkovalski]

I recently purchased a new pop -up camper... . but compared to the old one, it hangs off the back of the truck bed. My last one was fully within the confines of the bed. If I want to tow a trailer, (which I do on ocassion) can I use a hitch extension into the stock factory reciever?



I looked into the Tork Lift super hitch and extension system (they are sure proud of them)... . and got to wondering if the stock class 4 is still suffcient with just an extension part.



Thanks,

-frank.











.

 

[TKeeler]

I recently purchased a new pop -up camper... . but compared to the old one, it hangs off the back of the truck bed. My last one was fully within the confines of the bed. If I want to tow a trailer, (which I do on ocassion) can I use a hitch extension into the stock factory reciever?



I looked into the Tork Lift super hitch and extension system (they are sure proud of them)... . and got to wondering if the stock class 4 is still suffcient with just an extension part.



Thanks,

-frank.



.

The Dodge tow ratings are only going to be good a specific distance from the receiver which would be with the standard length stinger. Extending the stinger allows a lot more leverage on the receiver hitch and the potential for failure. Sure people do it but I would sure hate for my receiver hitch to brake off with my trailer still attached and cause and accident. Years ago shops were fabricating extension bumpers for this application as my dad had one on his '72 GMC that my son now has. There are to many variables to give you a yes or no answer.

 

[rwitt]

How long of an extension do you need and what does your trailer weigh? If you don't need the capacity of the Tork Lift Hitch look into the Reese Tow Beast class 5 hitch and extensions.

Rich

 

[fkovalski]

... into the Reese Tow Beast class 5 hitch and extensions.

Rich

Thnks for the link. I found this on a quick search: Reese-Hitches.com: Find Your Hitch. This is more of a realistic price. I would definetly opt for the class V. I am still searching for Reese extetensions similar to the TL's.



I do not tow alot all that often. I have an off- road trailer that is similar to a chassis/ pick- up bed modified to be a trailer. The heaviest I regularly tow is a 12 foot(-ish) double axle HaulMark enclosed trailer as a sag wagon for our local ABATE chapter... (up in the hills, a poker run needs to be really organised for our runs when no cell phone is available. )



the extension is about 18- 24". I am still invetigating my needs as I just got the extended camper.

 

[BimmerAgent]

Frank- I used an 18" hitch extender for years behind my slide-in camper for years without any issues. I needed the length so I could pull my boat. I still have it... . it's heavy, and really did the trick. Bruce

 

[wcjp]

According to TorkLift, maximum extension off stock hitch is 18". This reduces towing capacity by 1/3. Also, no weight distributing off the extension.



Stock hitch w/no weight distributing I think is 5k pds. This means no towing above 3300pds. I bought my Torklift Superhitch on Craigslist. Great price.