Using Hitch Extender on 2012 Jeep Wrangler so Cargo Carrier Clears Spare Tire

Question:

I PURCHASED A VALLEY 20X60 CARGO CARRIER FOR MY 2012 JEEP WRANGLER TO HALL LUGGAGE, BUT I NEED A HITCH EXTENDER SO THE HITCH ON THIS CARRIER DOES NOT BUMP MY TIRE ON THE BACK OF MY JEEP? WOULD THIS BE THE RIGHT ONE AND ME STILL BE ABLE TO PUT LUGGAGE ON MY CARGO CARRIER WITH NO WEIGHT ISSUE?

asked by: JANA W

Expert Reply:

The particular extender you referenced, part # RM-071 is designed for a rolling load, like flat towing a vehicle behind a motorhome. It is not intended for use with a hitch-mounted accessory like a cargo carrier. An extender like part # C45795 that offers 14 inches of extension would be a better choice.

Using any hitch extender will lower the tongue weight capacity (the maximum amount of weight that can safely be suspended from the hitch) by 50 percent. All of the 2 inch receiver hitches we offer for the 2012 Wrangler have a 350 lb tongue weight capacity, so using the extender would lower that to 175 lbs. This means that the cargo carrier and anything placed upon it can weigh no more than 175 lbs. Because the extender moves the load further away from the receiver, greater leverage is applied to the receiver tube. If this leverage becomes too great, the hitch can bend or the attachment points between the hitch and the vehicle can fail.

expert reply by: Mike L