Why the Difference Between Weight Capacities on a Hitch Extender vs. Extended Hitch Ball Mount

Question:

Hello. I am puzzled by various comments from your staff with regards to using a 12inch Hitch extender vs. a 12inch Hitch ball mount. Specifically, why would there be a loss of 50 tongue weight with the extender, and not the hitch ball mount? The longer hitch ball mount was recommended by John H. in a response to a customer looking to purchase the hitch extender. Where exactly would I find documented science proving one over the other? I ask because when looking at the two pieces, Im still 12inch away from my 2inch receiver regardless of how I lengthened or extended the ball mount. The extender may give me more rattle, but I fail to see how it would reduce the weight capacity by 50 over the hitch ball mount i.e. part #HE6000 vs. BM20 or D900

asked by: Mario T

Expert Reply:

Thanks for your question. I can help clear up some of the confusion here. Basically, when using a Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitches part # BM20 or other extended ball mounts you have one connection point to the hitch, and it has been tested to not over torque the hitch when in use.

When using an adapter like the Advantage SportsRack Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 11" Long part # HE6000, you are introducing a second connection point one at the hitch and one at the end of the extender then generally adding an accessory to that which is adding additional distance and increases the torque transferred to the hitch.

While I have not come across a scientific article on this matter the manufacturers test their products and attempt to get the maximum capacities out of each of them. If it did not make a difference, they would not put the limit there and restrict their customer's use of them. They do not set a reduction percentage for the ball mounts, but they do for the extenders, and we cannot recommend that you attempt anything that goes against that information.

expert reply by: Randy B