Why Does Hitch Extender Cut Capacity of Hitch but Not Longer Bike Rack

Question:

A previous question about using a Curt hitch extended was not recommended as it reduces the tongue weight by 50. However, the recommended product RKY10002. extends outwards from the hitch in order to clear the spare wheel on the rear of the vehicle, so how is that different than an extension of 8inch ? Seems both would have the same affect as the load is moved away from the vehicle in both cases. Note: Im looking for a solution for a rack for a 2020 Land Rover Defender which has a full sized spare on the back like the Jeep.

asked by: Chris F

Expert Reply:

Hitch extenders have a cut and dry weight capacity reduction of 50 percent when they are used in a trailer hitch. This is due to the added length and the added movement the extender adds. So the big difference between using an extender and a bike rack that has a longer shank is that the added movement isn't there which exaggerates the weight's force in the hitch. Also worth mentioning is that the science behind the rule isn't super exact if you wanted to really get down to the details since the same capacity reduction applies for a pretty wide variety of extender lengths.

The # RKY10002 doesn't extend out a considerable amount more than a standard bike rack also which also helps. This bike rack has a distance of 9-1/2 inches from the center of it's pin hole to the nearest tray so you'd need to have less than 9-1/2 inches from the pin hole to the outer most portion of the spare on your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jameson C