Do All Trailer Hitch Extenders Reduce Capacity by 50 Percent

Question:

Curt mfg claims on their website that extenders under 12 inches reduce tongue weight capacity by 25, while those over 12 inches reduce it by 50 Conservatively e-trailer mentions 50 reduction without mentioning hitch extender length. Do you think Curt’s numbers are reasonable? Thank you

asked by: Alex R

Expert Reply:

The reason there are differences in the amount hitch extenders reduce the capacity of the hitch is because there isn't a 100% exact science for each length, it's more of a general rule. Technically, each length will reduce it a different percentage, and you are correct we are being conservative by saying they all reduce hitch capacity by 50 percent. This is to keep expectations in place and prioritize safety.

But it's a bit silly to have a magic number of 12 inches. Say you have a hitch with a 4,000 lb towing/400 lb tongue weight capacity. A 10 inch extender reduces it to 3,000 lbs towing but a 12 inch extender reduces it to 2,000 lbs? Doesn't make much sense.

Since we're talking a lot of weight, driving at high speeds, etc. go with the 50 percent reduction in capacity, whether that's with the 8" Curt Hitch Extender # C45791 or 14" Extender # C45795.

expert reply by: Kyle S