Recommendation for Towing a Trailer with a Hitch Extension

Question 1

Question:

Hello, I have a 2011 ram 2500 long bed, I am buying the Curt 15809 hitch, I will have a 1700lb utv in my bed with a home built rack and air bag suspension and need to pull a camper, rated specs from factory are: tongue weight is 745 and max gvw of 7700lb. I dont know what my actual weight or tongue weight is. I would like a 18inch 2.5inch extension but I cant find one. I can also add a bar from the stock hitch and tie the extensions together for more support if needed. I would be ok with a 24inch extension, I have seen those but they dont seem to be rated too high, that is why I was thinking I could add another extension bar from my stock hitch above the new hitch and tie them together for more support. I was just wondering what you think about this setup. Thanks for your input.

asked by: Eric

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V Commercial Duty - 2-1/2" # C15809 is a great option for your 2011 Ram 2500 as long as you are okay with a 24 inch hitch extension like # C45048. This will give you a gross trailer weight of 8,000 lbs when used with weight distribution, so a weight distribution system would be required.

Your other option is to use the TorkLift SuperHitch Original Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - Dual 2" Receivers # TLD1102 instead of the Curt hitch and then use the TorkLift SuperTruss Hitch Extension for SuperHitch Trailer Hitch Receivers - 21" Long # TLE1521 which will give you a system that utilizes both receivers for stability and can tow a trailer up to 7500 lbs and 750 lb tongue weight without weight distribution or rated for up to 14,000 lbs with weight distribution. This is a much stronger option, but is also higher cost.

If you want weight distribution, I recommend the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control # RP66559 for a 2 inch receiver tube or extension. For a 2-1/2 inch extension you would also need the 2-1/2 shank like # RP54976.

I recommend using weight distribution so that you have a more controlled ride as you will already be extending the pivot locations, so having that additional weight dispersion and anti-sway is the route to go in my opinion.

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helpful expert reply by: Jason S

1

Question 2

Question:

Hello, My camper weight is about 7300lbs with around 900lb tongue weight that I will be pulling, At least that is what I measured with the truck scales, I unhooked the camper with just the jack on the scale to get the tongue weight. I want to use the curt C15809 2 1/2 in. receiver with either the curt C45048 or the reese RP45292. I have a weight distribution hitch I will use as well. Also with those extensions, I notice they are not totally flat, how much do they angle up, or if on a flat surface how much will they angle up? I have another extension I am running off the stock truck hitch to hold something and want to make sure they wont hit eachother. Thanks for your input again.

asked by: Eric

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2011 Ram 2500, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Class V Commercial Duty - 2-1/2" # C15809 is a great addition to your factory hitch. It is rated for tongue weight up to 2,700 lbs whether used with or without weight distribution.

The Curt Hitch Extension and Reducer for 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches - 24" to 34" Long # C45048 according to my contact at Curt has a 2 degree bend. If my math serves me correctly that will amount to a 1-3/16 inch rise.

The Hitch Box Extension and Reducer for Titan 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches, 24" - 34" Long # RP45292 will raise up 1.6 inches gradually from the 22-1/2 inch bend location according to my contact at Reese.

With either of these extensions when using weight distribution your maximum tongue weight is 800 lbs, so you will need to find another way to lighten your tongue weight or use the TorkLift Hitch and extender to accommodate your trailer.

click to enlarge

helpful expert reply by: Jason S

1