Why Do Hitch Extenders Reduce Hitch Capacity
Question:
extendoon fit for rack sr2415 with 4 bike
asked by: David C
Expert Reply:
Hitch extenders like the Kuat # HL20B and similar items # C45791, # C45795 and # HE12 do give you more clearance to install a hitch accessory like the SportRack Ridge Swing 4 Bike Rack # SR2415 but the trouble is these extenders also reduce the hitch's tongue weight (TW) capacity by 50-percent.
All adapters like these push the actual weight of the loaded bike rack further away from the hitch and this means the rack's weight will put more stress on the hitch. The extra connection point from using an adapter also tends to allow for more motion of the rack while you drive, which puts still more stress on the hitch.
I understand why you want an adapter so you can fit the rack with the rear-mounted spare tire on your Jeep Wrangler. If you happen to have a standard rear bumper (or Mopar Off Road Bumper 82213654) and Draw-Tite hitch # DT78MR, which is rated for 675-lbs TW, if you used an extender you would still have 337-lbs of hitch capacity. While this might be enough for the rack weight you still have the issue of the extra motion and for safety reasons I do not recommend doing this. But if you choose to use an extender with the rack you'll definitely want to use a some straps like # 18050 to keep it steady while you drive.
A safer option is to install a front hitch # 65069 so long as you have the standard factory bumper.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Front Receiver Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Front Mount Hitch
- 500 lbs Vert Load
- 9000 lbs Line Pull
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Square Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 8 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs
- CURT
more information >
Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 14" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 14 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs
- CURT
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 4500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 675 lbs WD TW
- No Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 14" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 14 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs
- Brophy
more information >
SportRack Ridge Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Swing-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- SportRack
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kuat Hi-Lo Hitch Extender - 2" Hitches - 7" or 10" Extension - 2-1/8" Rise/Drop
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Shanks and Adapters
- Hitch Extension
- NV 2.0
- Sherpa
- Transfer
- Kuat
more information >
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