Trailer Hitch Extender

[Tractor Seabee]

I just bought a new 6K dump trailer. The hitch assembly is so short it is hard to back up easily; needs to be 18-24" longer. Has anyone seen or heard of a manufactured solution. Or, has ny one done a modification on these light frame work trailers. There is no heavy channel or box frame members to work with. Solution needs to be legal also.

Ron

 

[Redlands Okie]

Most of the manufactures make something along those lines. Keep in mind though that the are very unlikely to support the loads and stress of what your doing. Be sure to read the spec on them.

Curt Hitch Extension and Reducer for 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches - 24" to 34" Long Curt Hitch Adapters C4548

Reese - Trailer Hitch Extension

Draw-Tite - Trailer Hitch Extension

 

[plowhog]

I bought one of these hitch extenders to use behind my motor home. I believe it cut the tow capacity in half, or close to that.

 

[ruffdog]

I think the OP would want to extend the tongue behind the ball, not in front of the ball, if he wants to ease backing up.

 

[downsizingnow48]

How about a picture to see what the tongue looks like.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I bought one of these hitch extenders to use behind my motor home. I believe it cut the tow capacity in half, or close to that.

Looking at the CURT one; it's 24" extension does not indicate that much reduction. I feel 18" is all I need so at that length the reduction will be even less.

 

[bcp]

If yours is like the one on the left, change it to the design on the right.



Bruce

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I think the OP would want to extend the tongue behind the ball, not in front of the ball, if he wants to ease backing up.

That is right. My problem is the quickness of changes with the short tongue. Appears the most common use is with extended campers not for my problem. I am not a proficient backer as I do not do it regularly like the pros do. The best trailer for backing I ever had was a boat trailer frame converted to a utility trailer. It was a dream to back.

Ron

 

[bcp]

If you move the ball farther back, the trailer will react even faster to steering wheel motions.

You need to lengthen the trailer tongue to slow the reactions.

Bruce

 

[bcp]

Another way to back a trailer easily is to put a ball on the front of the tow vehicle.

Bruce