Considering a hitch extension....

[Fire Instructor]

I added a battery box / small tool box that is wider than my A-frame. If I jack the trailer hard while backing in, hitting the box with the corner of the bumper is possible.

I was thinking of adding a 7" extension between the truck and the WDH. Can't find any reliable tech info on why I can't or shouldn't do this, though I did see one "off the cuff" post about it reducing towing capacity by 50% or more!

Anyone have any knowledge / experience with doing this?

I have a 18" extension that I use to haul my little utility trailer, so that the hitch clears the spare tire. 18" is a lot more than what I need, but I suppose that I could hook-up and take it for a short drive to test the idea.....

[Herk7769]

Use care, as these can reduce the towing capacity of the vehicle's receiver.

[Acableguy06]

Extending the hitch will act like adding a longer handle on a wrench. It will create a lot more leverage on your hitch / frame of the TV. As to how much it would reduce the weight capacities of the hitch, I don't know.

[Herk7769]

Some extension "instructions" will actually give you their "maximum rating;" others just tell you how much to subtract. It will depend on the extension's length.

[turnerpa]

Personally I highly recommend not adding an extension as stated above it adds leverage to the hitch and frame of the TV and creates more chances for failures to occur!

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Fire Instructor

I added a battery box / small tool box that is wider than my A-frame. If I jack the trailer hard while backing in, hitting the box with the corner of the bumper is possible.

I was thinking of adding a 7" extension between the truck and the WDH. Can't find any reliable tech info on why I can't or shouldn't do this, though I did see one "off the cuff" post about it reducing towing capacity by 50% or more!

Anyone have any knowledge / experience with doing this?

I have a 18" extension that I use to haul my little utility trailer, so that the hitch clears the spare tire. 18" is a lot more than what I need, but I suppose that I could hook-up and take it for a short drive to test the idea.....

A picture might help. Maybe relocating stuff on the tongue, etc? Drop the batteries down in the A frame, raising the propane bottles up above the batteries? Lot of possibilities in lieu of extending the hitch.

[avolnek]

Weight distribution hitches are not designed to be used in combination with an extension. This doesn't mean it can't be done and done safely... just be smart about it and be sure... and be aware that you will live with what happens in the end...