Height of Vertical Square Tube on RockyMounts BackStage 2 Bike Rack # RKY10002

Question:

My off-road trailer has the trailer side of the hitch Max Coupler mounted in a 2inch receiver tube. I may need some more tongute length to allow for mounting a bike rack using the Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2inch Receiver. Can I simply extend my trailer tongue using a hitch extension? I imagine that would have the effect of reducing the tongue weight on the vehicle side, but is there anything else I need to consider? Im towing with a 2016 Toyota Tacoma Dbl-cab Off-Road with the tow package, which has some sway control built into truck. It also has towing capacity of 6500# and tongue weight of 650# so Ill be well within that.

asked by: Kevin K

Helpful Expert Reply:

From the center of the hitch pin hole to the top of that small vertical post at the end of the shank on the RockyMounts BackStage # RKY10002 there is a distance of 4-3/8 inches. I have attached an image to assist. You can use this measurement to ensure the tailgate on your Tacoma will drop all the way down with the rack attached and the platform swung away to the side.

I have included a short video demonstration on this carrier that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R

click to enlarge

Kevin K.

3/5/2019

Chris R.

3/5/2019

Using an extender like the Curt 8" # C45791 will provide you with the clearance you need but it will indeed reduce the weight capacities of your trailer hitch. In fact, the Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount # D210 that you also plan on using in order to pull a trailer at the same time will do this as well since it is adding a second connection point. Each adapter when used by itself will technically reduce the weight capacity of your hitch by 50 percent so using the two together is not really recommended. This is going to create a lot of movement during travel. A better option will be to just use a single adapter that is longer so you can obtain the length you need with just one component (thus only reducing the capacity of your hitch by 50 percent). For this I recommend taking a look at the Malone Dual Hitch Extender # MPG544. This will provide you with two 2 inch receivers on which the bottom opening can be used for your ball mount to pull your trailer. There is a distance of 12-3/8 inches from the hitch pin hole to the hitch pin holes on the dual receivers (this dimension on the Curt # D210 is 7-1/2 inches). As long as the combined weights of your trailer and loaded bike rack do not exceed the reduced ratings on your hitch when using the adapter this solution will work great. If your hitch has a 6,500/650 pound rating like you mentioned then they will be reduced to 3,250/325 pounds.