Recommendation to Add 36" Extension for Towing 7,500 Pound Boat Trailer with 2017 Ford F-250

Question:

Hitch extension We would like to tow a 7500 pound trailer with an estimated tongue weight of 500 pounds as it is a boat trailer. That is per manufacture. We need 36 inch extension. The boat trailer manufacture does not recommend a weight distribution system due to the trailer being aluminum. Do you have a system that would work for us? We have a 2017 F2 50 super duty 8 foot box

asked by: Craig

Expert Reply:

The longest hitch extension we have available for the factory 2-1/2" hitch receiver on your 2017 Ford F-250 is the Reese Extension # RP45292, which provides up to a 34" long extension but doesn't feature the necessary towing weight capacity to safely pull your trailer.

Any shorter extender that you might be able to pair with a longer ball mount to get close to the total extension needed isn't going to have enough weight capacity, either. This means your only real option to create this kind of setup will be to actually remove the factory hitch on your Ford F-250 and install the TorkLift SuperHitch # TLF1008-30.

This aftermarket hitch features stacked receiver openings (the top is 2-1/2" and the bottom is 2") with which you can use the TorkLift SuperTruss Hitch Extension # TLE1528. This 28" long extension is the longest model available that features the capacity you need (without using a weight distribution system). To add a few more inches you can use a longer ball mount like the Brophy # BH20, which measures 13-1/4" from the hitch pin hole to the ball hole.

I have attached a couple short video reviews on these products below that you can also check out.