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

 

[Tractor Seabee]

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

View attachment 579587

Bruce

Mine is the left one. That conversion would be major major project requiring a certified welder which I am not. That was my first thought process discarded for the reason.

Ron

 

[Tractor Seabee]

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

That is the thrust of my post.

Ron

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Somewhere I used to have a 12" extender, need to find that and try it first.

Ron

 

[bcp]

For a clamp-on extender to use when parking, etc, but not towing on the highway, look at what people have done with boat trailers.

boat trailer tongue extension - Google Search

Bruce

 

[wagne223]

Not to be a smart alec, but I would suggest practicing backing more.
In order to make a difference in the reaction of the trailer you would need to extend the tongue quite a bit.

Trailer length and axle placement as well as tow vehicle length all affect how a trailer handles.

Most people tow many different trailers with many different vehicles throughout their life.

Practice enables you to hop in any rig and have it down in a few minutes.

 

[Soundguy]

Mine is the left one. That conversion would be major major project requiring a certified welder which I am not. That was my first thought process discarded for the reason.

Ron

Might be an easy task for a welding shop though.

 

[ruffdog]

For a clamp-on extender to use when parking, etc, but not towing on the highway, look at what people have done with boat trailers.

boat trailer tongue extension - Google Search

Bruce

I have actually backed boat trailers with those extensions and it makes a huge difference. I only like them to get the trailer deep in the water without the truck going deep too. With the tongue extended, it takes much more input from the driver to get the desired affect (and more acreage to swing). In tight quarters, it is better to have a shorter trailer.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

For a clamp-on extender to use when parking, etc, but not towing on the highway, look at what people have done with boat trailers.

boat trailer tongue extension - Google Search

Bruce

Thanks Bruce, those look like exactly like what I need, will research more. I only need when when maneuvering so switching around is not a problem for me.

Ron

 

[CobyRupert]

I respectfully agree with Wagne223, it will probably be easier to practice than to carry around an extension you have to hitch/unhitch.
I have a short (and narrow!) trailer that I can't even see in my side view mirrors, and my truck has a cap on it. The only way to see it when I'm backing is when it starts to turn and pops out (in the rear view mirrors) on one side or the other. I can still back it, it just takes practice, and going slow.

Hint: First practice with a small empty trailer you can move by hand, or otherwise imagine you are pushing on the trailer tongue hitch by hand. That is, imagine you are the hitch ball. Take note which way you push the trailer tongue to get the trailer to turn in desired direction. Take note how if you continue in this direction trailer will jackknife. Take note how once back of trailer is headed in intended direction you must change the direction you're pushing (i.e. follow it around and push straight) or trailer will jackknife.
i.e.: "Be the ball!"
THINK in terms of what the ball/trailer tongue is doing (or needs to do) in relation to the trailer.

Once mastered, now do the same when it's attached to vehicle, that is, think in terms of steering the ball on your bumper to steer the tongue of the trailer, just like if you were pushing it by hand.
:2cents:

 

[nyone]

I would scratch off the trailer hitch extension. You will need little toungue weight for that to be even half legal.

How long is the trailer?

I also suggest you practice backing up more.