Effects of Using Hitch Adapters on Hitch Towing Capacity
Question:
I have a class III reese hitch installed on the bottom of my dodge Dakota. Im having trouble getting the hitch extension I bought to coat the bumper so I had to buy another extension. Can I use an extension and a rising adapter at the same time to tow my haulmark 10foot trailer
asked by: William J
Expert Reply:
It is not recommended to use multiple hitch adapters or extensions when towing. Most adapters will cause a loss of hitch capacity since they move the actual load further away from the hitch, which increases leverage on the hitch tube.
This applies to both a straight 2-inch extension like the 18-inch Curt # C45796 and to dual-receiver adapters like # MPG544, both of which cost you half the hitch's rated capacity. Multiple adapters also tend to introduce more rattle and noise.
The better solution when you need to add space between the vehicle and trailer is an extra-long ball mount like # BM20. This ball mount provides 10K capacity and 13-1/4 inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole to ball hole and requires a hitch ball with a 1-inch shank, such as 2-inch ball # 63845.
Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 13-1/4" Long - 10K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Brophy
more information >
Curt Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers -18" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 18 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Malone 2" Dual Purpose Hitch Receiver
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Dual Hitch Adapter
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 10-1/2 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 4000 lbs
- Malone
more information >
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