Question:
Can using an extra long ball mount like the Hidden Hitch 80232 have an adverse effect on towing? Does it and create the effect on the vehicle of having a much heavier tongue weight due to the extra leverage applied to the rear of the vehicle?
asked by: Ted N
Expert Reply:
A longer ball mount like the Hidden Hitch # 80232 that you referenced will indeed put a bit more stress on the trailer hitch/rear of tow vehicle due to that added leverage, but not to the point of it having an actual negative impact on towing or cutting into your overall towing capacity.
The manufacturers of this particular ball mount have determined through testing and physics well over my head that it will maintain the full weight capacity of your existing hitch, along with the tongue weight limit on your truck. This is assuming that you stay under the 6,000 pound towing/600 pound tongue weight limits on the ball mount itself.
When you start extending even further back from the tow vehicle, like with separate extenders such as the Curt # C45796, the capacity of your trailer hitch will be reduced to accommodate for this added leverage. Any such restrictions will be listed on the product pages. For example most adapters like this reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent.
Curt Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers -18" Long
Hidden Hitch Ball Mount - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 15-3/4" Long - 6,000 lbs
