Will Using a Longer Ball Mount Give Me Less Tongue Weight Capacity

Question:

I have a ball mount that is 8 and 1/2 inches from center of pin to center of ball hole. I need a couple more inches of clearance to attach a 2 hitch mounted bike rack Valley 3-bike rack that clamps onto the shank of the ball mount. Do you think a longer ball mount will adversely affect the towing capacity? I have a class III hitch rated for 3500# and 5000# dist wt pulling a trailer with a GVWR of 1900#. Thank you.

asked by: jim h

Expert Reply:

Fortunately, this is a case where any lost tongue weight capacity will be negligible (unless you add a severely long ball mount). But you are correct; adding adapters or extensions can cut your tongue weight capacity by 50 percent in many cases. But the good news is for this application, carrying a towing bike rack, you will not have to worry about losing tongue weight capacity.

I recommend the # 40343 Ball Mount. It measures 10-1/2 inches from center hole to center hole. If you need something longer we have many ball mounts available. I have included a link to our ball mount main page below. With this ball mount installed you will be able to use the 3 bike drawbar mounted bike rack.

I attached a link to an FAQ page on choosing ball mounts.

expert reply by: Michael H