What Does It Mean When Hitch Adapters State They Cut Hitch Capacity In Half

Question:

I have a 2006 Silverado 3500 dually with a 20k superhitch, that I just purchased from you folks and installed see comments and pics. I carry a 9.6 Bigfoot camper so I need a hitch extension to pull my boat. This 18 inch stinger says 4000# trailer, 400# tongue weight. When you say “hitch weight” is “cut in half”, I’m not following, which number is cut in half.

asked by: Mark

Helpful Expert Reply:

When using the Reese Hitch Extender # RP11006 (or any similar adapter) the weight capacity of your trailer hitch is reduced by 50 percent. This just means that when you're using the extender the TorkLift SuperHitch Trailer Hitch Receiver # TLC1205 that you purchased, which features a 17,000 pound towing weight capacity and a 1,700 pound tongue weight capacity, will have its capacities reduced to 8,500 pounds and 850 pounds respectively. This is due to the extra movement that adding another piece creates during travel. The reduced limits on your hitch should still be more than enough for your boat trailer but you will still want to check to be sure.

If you'd rather not lose this capacity or have to add another piece to your towing setup another option is to simply use a longer ball mount instead. The longest unit we have available is the Brophy Ball Mount # EA40 which measures 14-5/8 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole. It has a 8,000 pound towing weight capacity and a 800 tongue weight limit.

I have attached a short video review that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R