Can 18 Inch Brophy Hitch Extender be Used With Reducer for 2-1/2 Inch Hitch and Weight Distribution

Question:

I have a 2017 Ford F250 GVWR 10,000 lbs, GCWR 19,500 and camper package option with a 6 3/4 foot box and a 2.5 inch WD hitch that is rated for a max trailer wt of 15,000 lbs and a max tongue wt of 1500 lbs. I also have Lance 825 camper that hangs over the back of the bed when it is installed and Id like to tow an old Beachcraft boat on a Trail-Rite trailer, which has a GVWR of 2450 lbs. The measurements that Ive take indicate that I would need an 18 inch extension to place the extension receiver face about 2 inches beyond the back of the camper when installed. The 2.5 inch WD hitch on the F250 came equipped with a removable 2.5 inch to 2 inch reducer so my question is, would it be safe to use your 18 inch Reese hitch extender for a 2 inch trailer hitch or would I need to use a hitch extender for a 2.5 inch trailer hitch that is reduced to 2 inch at the extension receiver face?

asked by: Bill C

Expert Reply:

It would be safe for you to use the 18" Brophy Hitch Extender with Step for 2" Trailer Hitches # ST18.

This extender is able to be used with a reducer and it is also compatible with weight distribution. It will reduce the capacities of a hitch by 33-1/3 percent but has a maximum capacity with weight distribution of 7,000 lbs towing and 700 lbs tongue weight, whichever is lower.

For your application with a heavy-duty hitch that would be the 6,500 lbs/650 lbs capacity, which is more than enough for your Trail-Rite with a 2,450 lb trailer.

I have added a link to a video review as well of the 18" Reese Hitch Extender with step for 2" Trailer Hitches # ST18.

expert reply by: Kyle S