Trailer Hitch Extensions for a 2009 Chevy Tahoe

Question:

I have an 09 Tahoe with the stock trailer hitch on it, I hate having my bumper in the salt water when Im launching my boat. I was hoping this extender will help me to launch my boat further away from the water. Will this 34in extender work with a standard/stock trailer hitch opening on my Tahoe and will it take my standard trailer hitch? Please let me know and I would love to order one of these. Thank you very much. Sincerely, A soon to be happy boat launcher!

asked by: Nedim G

Expert Reply:

Item RP45292, the Titan Hitch Extension, will not work for your application. When measuring a hitch, measure from inside the hitch, straight across to the other side (inside); then inside the hitch, top to bottom. Your hitch is likely a 2 inch hitch if it is a OEM hitch. The Titan Extension, will only work on 2-1/2 inch x 2-1/2 inch receivers.

An alternate application is product number HE18, the 18 inch trailer hitch receiver for 2 inch hitches. The rating on this extension is 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight and 350 lbs tongue weight. You would need to check your owner's manual to determine what your hitch is rated. When using an extension, you are able to use the rating on the extension or the rating on the hitch, whichever is lower. You do not add the numbers together when using the extension. the towing capacity of the hitch is actually reduced by half when using this extender – if the hitch is rated at a 3,500 lb capacity, it is then reduced to only a 1,750 lb capacity; the same applies for tongue weight. so if your boat weighs more than this, the extender will not be an option.

This is the longest 2 inch extension we have. In order to use the product you initially were interested in, you would need to upgrade your trailer hitch to a 2-1/2 inch Titan hitch.

Happy boating!

expert reply by: Renee B