Availability of Shorter 1-1/4 Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

Question:

Why is this 10inch long extender rated at 1750 lbs GTW when I see shorter ones like 7inch rated at 350 lbs GTW? On my 06 Accord I have the CURT Hitch Number 11327 and the Brophy Bm961 6inch ball mount turned upside down to raise of 5.5 inches. I cannot get the ball mount to go all the way in because of the rear bumper. I need the tall ball mount to level my trailer. Ten inches long. just seems to excessive. If I only had about an inch more it would work. Do you have any suggestions?

asked by: Glenn B

Expert Reply:

I am not sure which other hitch extenders you are looking at but the only extenders we have available for 1-1/4 inch receivers, the 10 inch # HES0 that you referenced and the shorter 6 inch # HES6, both have a 1,750 pound towing weight capacity. Any variance between these and the capacities on other model extenders would just have to do with their particular design/construction and what the manufacturer tested and rated the unit for.

The above 6 inch extender # HES6 should be a good option to give you that extra bit of extension but there is an important to factor to also keep in mind. When using these or any other extender, the weight capacity of your trailer hitch will be reduced by 50 percent. This is because of the extra leverage and movement that an extra component between the hitch and ball mount causes when under load.

This simply means that the 2,000 pound towing weight capacity and 200 pound tongue weight limit on your Curt hitch will be reduced to 1,000 pounds and 100 pounds respectively when using the adapter. As long as you remain under the hitch's reduced capacity with the weight of your trailer then you're good to go and this is a great solution.

expert reply by: Chris R