Hitch Extentions

[Manda626]

I want to tow my 2007 Shamrock Expandable (3600lbs) while keeping my tailgate down on my 2008 Toyota Tundra. This will in able me to put my golf cart in the back of my truck. The only way I can do this is use a 2"X18" hitch extension. Does any one have any experience or advice on this?

[wrvond]

The average length for a shank is 13.75 inches. My Reese was the optional 17.75 inch shank. It worked just fine, but since my new camper has a higher tongue weight and I no longer tow with a Jeep, I went ahead and cut it down to 13.75 inches. I did use it once to pull my new TT, and didn't notice any bending of the shank with the higher tongue weight (only about 720 pounds), but, moving the hitch head out away from the receiver lengthens the hitch assembly, and moves the weight of the tongue further away from the axle. This increases the leverage the tongue weight has on the axle, and increases the moment of force exerted on the TV suspension.
With an extension, you'd see the same sort of thing. Add to that the weight of a golf cart in the bed of the truck, and you are going to need some serious weight distribution action.

[youroo]

I agree 100% with Wrvond! Youroo!!

[fast murray]

Will the golf cart fit if you take the tailgate off?

[Ford Idaho]

Just a thought.

[Manda626]

The rear tires of the golf cart sit on the opening between the bed of the truck and the tailgate. I wouldn't feel comfortable taking the tailgate off.

[Manda626]

I have never seen that before. Thanks

[Rrickim63]

I tried an extension yrs ago with a different tv and a pop up. By the book it should have been no problem. It will cause a dramatic change in the feeling towing and sway will definitely play a factor. Not recommended.

2006 roo 23b
99 Silverado xtra cab with 4.8 and tow package

[Manda626]

I really appreciate all the feed back. It sounds like I need to go back to the drawing board, but if anyone has ideas please pass them along. Thanks!

[wrvond]

Originally Posted by Manda626

The rear tires of the golf cart sit on the opening between the bed of the truck and the tailgate. I wouldn't feel comfortable taking the tailgate off.

I think I'd prefer to remove the tailgate and put a couple 2x8 planks down in the bed of the truck. With the front wheels of the cart sitting on one end of the planks, I should think the rear wheels would sit just fine hanging all of a couple inches out or so. A good strong ratchet strap across the back and that buggy ain't goin' nowhere!

[Cinrock]

Had that problem with a previous short bed truck. I bought a piece of 1/2 plywood cut to sit on the bed floor but long enough to extend flush to the end of the bumper. I filled the gap between the top of the bumper and the bottom of the plywood with 2x4's cut to fit. The end result is a floor that extends to the end of bumper which provides a stable base for the rear tires of the golfcart. Strapped the golf cart down and left the tailgate home...

[fast murray]

Originally Posted by Manda626

The rear tires of the golf cart sit on the opening between the bed of the truck and the tailgate. I wouldn't feel comfortable taking the tailgate off.

Maybe a short extension for the bed of the truck that could be fastened down and made removable or using the top of the bumper for some support. That said I saw a guy with a camper that goes in the box of a pickup using a hitch extender pulling an enclosed race car trailer. I'd think there would be a good amount of force added to the hitch of the truck.

[Todouble]

Originally Posted by Manda626

I really appreciate all the feed back. It sounds like I need to go back to the drawing board, but if anyone has ideas please pass them along. Thanks!

A full size 8' pickup bed will hold the golf cart with the tailgate up. Have you looked at other trucks. If you extend that hitch out 18" it will definitely change the towing characteristics and not for the better.

[fast murray]

Originally Posted by Todouble

A full size 8' pickup bed will hold the golf cart with the tailgate up. Have you looked at other trucks.

It should fit in a regular shortbox pickup. We hauled one in a 2000 Dodge shortbox with a race trailer behind. This was with the tailgate removed but the wheels all sat on the floor of the bed. This cart also had a backseat with a step that stuck out. His pickup must have one of the really short beds?

[2012WhiteSolera]

Take three sheets of 3/4" plywood and after tracing a template from a large piece of cardboard (i.e refrig box, etc) build a double ply, or 1 1/2" thick floor bed liner catching the cut outs for the wheel wells and the corner returns where the tailgate fits. That way you have a bedliner that can't slide out. Make the length long enough to fit the wheelbase of your cart with a little extra to give you comfort. You will have to position the top ply pieces so you don't have any common seams, especially near the overhang area. Use liquid nails and a box of 1/3/8" drywall screws to bond the two sheet layers together. You can leave the center of the top layer one ply thick, up near the bulkhead to free up enough plywood to make the area under the wheels and overhang two ply for strength. Try a visit to a local funiture shop or appliance store for your cardboard.

[bikendan]

from what i've read, hitch extensions are not to be used with WDH"s, since it will lower the weight capacity of the receiver and the WDH.

[LaydBack]

I done this with my last setup. I had an 08 Chevy 2500HD with the 6'6" bed. The golf cart rear wheels would be halfway on the truck bed, and the footpan for the rear seat would extend out over my propane tanks. I'd use 3 ratchet straps to hold the cart tight to the front of the truck bed, and never had an issue. I did have to go with a longer shank, but didn't experience any difference going down the road. The link in my sig should have pics.

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[Manda626]

This was all very helpful. Thanks Again!!

[itat]

Before you do any of that, take the Tundra to a local CAT scale with the golf cart loaded but no trailer and see how much payload capacity you'll have left. You have a relatively light trailer but having the golf cart in the bed of the Tundra may have you close to if not over max. payload before hitching up the trailer.

[Manda626]

Good idea. Thanks!