18 Inch to 20 Inch Hitch Extender and Ball Mount for Clearing a 2002 GMC 2500HD Tailgate
Question:
I have a 2002 GMC 2500HD and I want to tow my travel trailer with the tailgate down so my Harley fits. I just need enough extension to make up for the tailgate. My travel trailer will come in just under 7k lbs wet and loaded. What would you recommend?
asked by: Jimmy
Expert Reply:
You have a couple of options depending on the size of the receiver on your 2002 GMC 2500HD. The tailgate on your truck is close to 20" tall so it sticks out around 17"-18" past your bumper. For a 2 1/2" receiver you can use the 7" long Brophy Hitch Reducer and Extender item # HR26 and the 13-1/4" Long Brophy Ball Mount item # BH20 to get past your tailgate. The Brophy hitch extender does reduce your hitch's weight capacity by one third so you would want to confirm this does not put you over capacity on your 7,000 lbs trailer. You will also need a 2" Hitch Ball item # 40038.
If you have a 2" receiver the only option you have is the 18" long Brophy Hitch Extender with Step item # ST18. This hitch extender has a 7,000 lbs capacity but you will need to add a weight distribution system. I recommend the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW item # BLU66FR. The Blue OX SwayPro has a maximum tongue weight capacity of 750 lbs - 1,000 lbs and a gross towing weight of 10,000 lbs.
Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitch - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 13-1/4" Long - 10,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1-1/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Long Shank
- Brophy
more information >
Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Severe Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 900 lbs
- Blue Ox
more information >
Brophy Hitch Reducer and Extender - 2-1/2" to 2" Trailer Hitch - 7" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Hitch Reducer
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 7 Inch Extension
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 2-1/2 Inch to 2 Inch
- 5000 lbs
- Brophy
more information >
Brophy Hitch Extender with Step - 2" Hitches - 18" Long - 6-1/2" x 17" Platform
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 18 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs
- Brophy
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Hitch Extension and Reducer for 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches - 24" to 34" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Hitch Reducer
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 24 - 34 Inch Extension
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 2-1/2 Inch to 2 Inch
- 6000 lbs
- CURT
more information >
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