Anyone offroading with an extended hitch?

[diamonddawg21]

My wife and I have been having a blast driving and offroading with our 2024 Wiltrak. We are also mountain bikers. Our Bronco did not come with a hitch installed, so I figured we would have to order one at some point. With the spare tire in the rear, my research has shown that I will need an extended hitch Like This One, which I have ordered. I was about to pull the trigger on the bike rack, and I wondered if having that extended hitch would cause issues with our off-roading experience. Has anyone installed this type of hitch and does it cause any issues with off-raoding?

The hitch we ordered
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Ford/Bronco/2024/DT37GR.html?VehicleID=20246004594
The bike rack we plan to order
https://1up-usa.com/product/heavy-duty

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[RedDawg]

I have a standard hitch. I remove it whenever I go wheeling.

Let me correct that statement.

I remove my hitch after I end up scraping it, when I go wheeling.

 

[diamonddawg21]

I have a standard hitch. I remove it whenever I go wheeling.

Let me correct that statement.

I remove my hitch after I end up scraping it when I go wheeling.

Wow, so if you have the standard and it's way shorter than this long one I'm certain it would get scraped up. Geez, this might be a PITA as I have to remove the bumper to install this hitch.

 

[Smocaine]

Straight back won't be as bad as leaving in a drop ball, but you'll definitely lose some departure angle. It really depends on where and how hard you wheel it. Part of why I got the factory tow package is to have something other than my bumper to drag on the back.
Another option might be a standard hitch receiver and a slide-in extender. Would probably rattle more and have a lower total load rating. Likely still plenty for a bike rack.

 

[Brian_B]

The receiver has been a good protector for my bumper. I went off road once with my hitch, and I quickly found out why you don't do that.

It sits on my trailer in a tool box now, only used when I need the trailer

(also, I recommend using a drop hitch rather than an extender to clear the spare tire)

 

[diamonddawg21]

The receiver has been a good protector for my bumper. I went off road once with my hitch, and I quickly found out why you don't do that.

It sits on my trailer in a tool box now, only used when I need the trailer

(also, I recommend using a drop hitch rather than an extender to clear the spare tire)

How much effort IE time does it take to install? I have to loosen or remove he bumper to install this hitch.

 

[diamonddawg21]

Straight back won't be as bad as leaving in a drop ball, but you'll definitely lose some departure angle. It really depends on where and how hard you wheel it. Part of why I got the factory tow package is to have something other than my bumper to drag on the back.
Another option might be a standard hitch receiver and a slide-in extender. Would probably rattle more and have a lower total load rating. Likely still plenty for a bike rack.

I just thought about exchanging the extended hitch receiver for a short one and add an extender, but worried about rattling. If the darn thing didn't require me to loosen the rear bumper to install I might be able to manage the removing and adding it back. We go off-roading about once a month and bike about 3-4 times a month.

 

[Smocaine]

Hitch rattle usually calms down when it's loaded if that helps, or there are purpose-built anti-rattle devices.
To clarify, I don't think anyone's removing their receivers to go offroad, just pulling our ball mounts. This integrated extended receiver is new to me.
Whether you can live with the 'stendo hanging off the back semi-permanently is really up to you. If you've never dragged your bumper, you can probably get away with it - or even work around it, since it'd only hurt your angles right down the center. Ride height would also reduce the effect, so maybe lift it too

 

[SuperDave150]

Looking at that unit on etrailer website - there is NO WAY I’d install some permanently sticking out like that. Not only dragging off road, but also busting my legs against it. Get a standard receiver, get a moderate length extension, and get an anti-rattle unit (they really work well).

 

[TruckCamper]

Remove the spare use standard hitch rack. Less weight and leverage. Extensions will make the rack flop around more.

 

[Ranbronc]

I made a 12" extension for mine, added anti rattle into it.

I posted pictures post #8

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/bike-racks-hollywood-racks-sport-rider.51316/#post-1544533

 

[jtgensler]

Stick with a standard receiver.
You don't want that extra sticking out.
You're gonna scrap the standard anyways.

This is the hitch I went with for my little 4x6 enclosed trailer conversion.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007M309E?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

I had a 4" drop, but I was still having trouble clearing the spare with the locking tab up when trying to put the coupler on the ball.
This one has fixed it entirely. Gives you just enough clearance from the spare without being any longer than needed.

Also, be wary of adding to much weight on an extension - that 350lb tongue weight drops real quick when you're leveraging it out by 10".

 

[Tdub0527]

I'll offer a different perspective. The hitch in question is $100. Buy it, try it and see how it impacts your off roading. Best case scenario it works for your type of off roading and you're good to go. Worst case scenario you scrap the hell out of it and you decide you want the shorter one which would cost you another $100 or so if you don't buy the OEM one.

I get analysis paralysis often and sometimes it's better to just pull the trigger and see how it works. Financially, if you can absorb the potential $100 loss, that isn't too bad.

P.S. I have the curt hitch and have never taken it off before off roading nor do I ever intend to. That said the term off roading has a large spectrum of uses!

 

[Tonka Bronka]

A problem with hitch extensions that no one has mentioned yet is rear end collisions. I left my extension in and was rear ended. The extension took the brunt of the impact and twisted the crossmember. That crossmember is available from Ford so the truck was repaired. Get the removable extension and remove when not in use. For anti rattle, B&W makes the only one that works and its available from etrailer.

 

[Mako]

I have a standard hitch. I remove it whenever I go wheeling.

Let me correct that statement.

I remove my hitch after I end up scraping it, when I go wheeling.

What he said..... nothing like your hitch ball holding your rear axle off the ground

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