Will Using a Hitch Extender Help in Carrying a Motorcycle and Tow a Camper With a 2006 Chevy Truck

Question:

I need information about using a hitch tube extender 18inch to 24. I have a 2006 Silverado 1500 crew, with factory towing package, which I assume is a class IV? I tow an 1800 lb. popup camper, which I think has a tongue weight around 200 lbs. The tongue on the trailer is fairly short, so I cant use with tailgate down. I would like to tow it, with a 500 lb motorcycle in the bed of the truck which requires tailgate down. Can you advise me on this, if this is doable, or would be unsafe? If its possible, then could you recommend the item I would need? Thank you.

asked by: Jeff J

Helpful Expert Reply:

A hitch extender, like part # HE18, will allow you to move the hitch point 18 inches from the your OEM trailer hitch on your 2006 Chevrolet Silverado. However, the draw back of using a hitch extender is it will cut your hitch's over all capacity by 50 percent.

With the weight you plan to haul in your truck bed and the added camper, a hitch extender will not work. I recommend going with an extended ball mount, like # BM20. This mount will give you a length of 13-1/4 inches from the center pin hole of the mount to the ball hole. Also, with using a ball mount you will not reduce the over all capacity of your trailer hitch.

You need to consult the information tag on your hitch for tow and tongue weight capacities and to identify the Class type of the hitch. This information will help you better determine your towing limitations.

I have linked a few help articles on hitch and tongue weight information for you to view.

expert reply by: Jared P