Using Hitch Extender with Erickson Big Bed Junior Load Extender to Clear Spare Tire on Jeep

Question:

I had heard there are different hitch extenders depending on if you have a pulling load or a vertical load like the erickson hitch extender. I need a few inches extension to clear my spare on the back of my jeep when the Erickson is in the vertical position. Any recommendations?

asked by: Steve

Helpful Expert Reply:

If 6 inches would be enough extension, you could go with the Brophy 6 inch hitch extender, part # HES6. Unless you Jeep has huge swamper tires on it, 6 inches of extension should be plenty.

However, keep in mind that using the extender will lower your hitch tongue weight capacity by half. If your hitch has a 350 tongue weight capacity, using the extender would lower that to 175. If you're using the Erickson extender to carry something like a ladder or a canoe, half the weight of the load plus the 26 lb weight of the Erickson extender would need to be less than 175 lbs.

expert reply by: Mike L