Recommended Hitch Extension 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 With In Bed Camper Towing a Trailer

Question:

I have a 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500hd dually. I bought a truck camper that has a rear hang over. from center of the hitch pin the the end of the camper bumper, its 28. I would like to tow a 6,000lb trailer behind the truck/camper now. I do NOT want to spend all the money on the torklift hitch and receiver setups. MY QUESTION: my factory hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs at the hitch. Could I use the Reese 28-34inch long extender part #45292 or something like that and cut it down to 28inch and get away with that? At 28inch its rated for 6,000lbs. Other QUESTION: Could I just chop the current tongue off the trailer and extended it to where the trailer would reach all the way under the camper to the factory hitch without using the extension or torklift?

asked by: Jason B

Expert Reply:

You can use the Reese Hitch Box Extension and Reducer for Titan 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches, 24" - 34" Long # RP45292 but it can only be used at the 34" or 24" length. Drilling an additional hole for a hitch pin will void the warranty of the extension and also leave you with an unknown capacity. In order to be able to reach the 6,000 lb capacity you would need to use a weight distribution system because 34" would be the only option.

You also need to be aware of your tongue weight. When used with weight distribution this would have a tongue weight capacity of 600 lbs. Since your trailer is 6,000 lbs, and tongue weight is 10-15% of your loaded trailer weight, it is possible you would exceed this. As long as you don't go over the 600 lb tongue weight and 6,000 lb trailer weight it would be doable.

If you extend the tongue of your trailer that would be another option that would work and solve your problem. This would not impact tongue weight in any way and you wouldn't have to worry about extender/hitch capacities. If you go this route make sure it is done by a professional welder.

expert reply by: Robin H