Why Do Longer Ball Mounts Not Cut Hitch Capacity but Hitch Extenders Do

Question:

Am I to understand that if I use a hitch extender it cuts my capacity to 3000/300 but if I use a extended receiver I can still go with 6000/600?

asked by: Ron

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are correct. I know it seems somewhat conter-intuitive, but an extended ball mount does not cut the capacity of the vehicle hitch yet a hitch extender does do that. Reason being the hitch extenders are typically much longer than the longer ball mounts and they have quite a bit more movement due to the two connection points. Those being the extender to the hitch, and the extender to the ball mount.

The fixed ball mount # 80232 is longer at 16 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole.

helpful expert reply by: Jameson C