Can the Blue Ox Hitch Extender Be Used for Towing a Trailer

Question:

Why does this say 10,000 lbs towing but the video say not use for towing a trailer?

asked by: Stefano

Expert Reply:

I do have a hitch extender for you that can be used for towing a trailer but the Blue Ox Hitch Extender for Tow Bars part # BX88265 that you referenced is intended for flat-towing only as with most of Blue Ox products for that matter. The 10,000 lb maximum towing capacity that this extender has is in regards to the weight of the towed vehicle in a flat-tow setup, not the weight of a trailer in a bumper pull setup. I do however understand how that can be confusing.

If you need to use a hitch extender for towing a trailer then the next best option we have is the Curt Hitch Extender part # C45791 which offers 8" of additional clearance but please keep in mind that the extender has a 3,500 lb maximum gross trailer weight capacity or 50% of the hitch's overall capacity, whichever is less. Unfortunately, it is just not safe to tow a heavy trailer using a hitch extender like the above save for the TorkLift SuperTruss Hitch Extensions which requires a specific trailer hitch.

Another option you may want to consider is a longer ball mount like the Ball Mount 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop part # D-26.

expert reply by: Conner L

Chae H.

8/1/2020

Does anyone make a similar hitch extension less than 6 3/4"? Like a true 5" or 6" from center to center?

Jon G.

8/11/2020

The shortest one we have for a 2" receiver is the Blue Ox # BX88265 at 6-3/4". This is used for flat towing though. If you're wanting to use an extender for something else like a bike rack then I recommend using something like the RockyMounts # RKY10011 because it comes with a locking anti-rattle device.