Extra long hitch versus hitch extender

[Tdub0527]

I tow infrequently but enough that I would like help with this question. The spare tire doesn't allow enough room to use a traditional drop 2" hitch on and be able to attach the trailer coupler.

I've thought about using a hitch extender but everything I've read says it impacts tongue weight capacity by 50%.

My question is...what if you use an extra long hitch? Would that enable you to get the length needed without impacting the tongue weight capacity? Something like this hitch I found at eTrailer.

Any help is appreciated! Thanks.

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[Dusty]

I bought that exact item and it works great. I would suggest getting a hitch tightener such as this one:

https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Anti-Rattle/Roadmaster/RM-061.html

or this one:

https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...eivers/anti-rattle-hitch-tightener-58134.html

to take some of the slop out of it when towing. Yes, tongue weight will sit heavier on the longer hitch due to the extra leverage. If you're towing something very very heavy or with a lot of tongue weight you'll have to either adjust your load placement on the trailer, use a weight distribution hitch, or re-think your dream of towing it with a Bronco with a spare tire.

 

[AlpineDescent]

It doesn’t matter how you extend it, the distance from the end of the receiver to the ball is all that matters. The longer that lever arm is, the more twisting load you are putting on the frame member. That being said, there’s quite a bit of factor of safety built into those numbers.

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