The Complete Guide to Hitch Extenders

Perhaps the most common reason to extend the length of your receiver hitch tube is to avoid an obstruction. Receiver hitches are designed to integrate with the features of the vehicle, accounting for proper clearance of the bumper, spare tire and other vehicle components.

However, there are a lot of different towing accessories out there, and they’re not always a guaranteed fit. Sometimes more clearance is needed.

For example, maybe you’ve purchased a new hitch cargo carrier for your Jeep. The carrier may be designed in such a way that it bumps into the spare tire mounted on the back of your Jeep’s rear door. In such a case, a hitch extender can provide the extra length needed to extend the cargo carrier’s position to clear the spare tire properly.

Hitch extenders come in different lengths and shank sizes to fit most receiver hitches and to accommodate various towing configurations. To choose the right extender for your towing setup, you’ll need to consider three key measurements.

The final key dimension when choosing the best extender for your hitch setup is extender length. Extender length is measured from the pin hole on the shank to the pin hole on the receiver.

To choose the right extension length, perform a test-fit of your towing accessory on your vehicle. Try to position the accessory as close as possible to the receiver without obstruction. Make sure there will be enough clearance to avoid obstruction during the rigors of travel. Then, have a friend measure the distance from the receiver pin hole to the shank pin hole.

Hitch extenders and hitch adapters are very similar in their purpose. Both are used to help a hitch accessory fit onto a receiver. The difference is that while a hitch extender increases the length of the receiver, a hitch adapter changes the size of the receiver.

Hitch adapters are used when the shank of your accessory is too large or too small to fit the receiver tube on your vehicle. For example, if your cargo carrier has a 2” shank, but your vehicle has a 1-1/4” receiver, an adapter can be used to make up the difference.

If you need to change the size of your receiver to fit your towing accessory, you should purchase a hitch adapter.

If you need to increase the space between your towing accessory or trailer and your vehicle, you should purchase a hitch extender.

Let’s say you’re towing a trailer and you don’t want to add a hitch extender to your towing system. Or perhaps you don’t need as much length as an extender provides (options can range from 8” up to 18”).

If this is the case, you might consider a ball mount with a longer shank. Ball mounts come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s possible that using a different ball mount, particularly one with a longer shank, will provide the extra clearance needed.

Consider the CURT #45050 ball mount versus the #45270. Both have the same weight ratings and drop / rise measurements. However, the #45050 only has an 8-1/4” shank length, while the #45270 has a 13” shank length.

You may also consider a dual-length ball mount. This type of ball mount has two pin holes in the shank, allowing it to be positioned at two different lengths from the receiver. Use the shorter length with one trailer where clearance isn’t an issue and use the longer length for trailers that require extra clearance.

Installing a hitch extender is fairly simple to do, but there are a few tricks that can make it easier and can make your overall towing experience better.

Insert the shank end of the extender into the hitch receiver tube. Make sure the pin holes are oriented horizontally, not vertically.

Line up the shank pin hole with the receiver pin hole, and secure it with a hitch pin.

Insert the hitch accessory shank into the receiver tube of your extender. Line up the holes, and secure that connection as well with a hitch pin. Note that while it is possible to install the extender on your towing accessory first, instead of on your vehicle’s receiver, this can make things more difficult, particularly as you’re attempting to insert a heavy accessory into the receiver.

To make the ride quieter and more enjoyable, you can add an anti-rattle hitch pin or clamp to the connection points. This tightens up the joint and helps deter noise and shaking.

Hitch extenders are safe if they are used properly. The most important thing to remember is weight capacity. You must always abide by the lowest-rated towing component in your system. Know the weight ratings of each component, and do not exceed them. Also, it is important to take extra care when backing up with any accessory mounted on the rear of your vehicle. This becomes even more important with a hitch extender installed as it adds overall length to your vehicle.

Hitch extenders are legal when used properly and when they fall within the correct specifications for safe operation. Consult local and state laws before towing with a hitch extender.

Hitch extenders may reduce your overall towing capacity, depending on their provided weight ratings. Each extender is rated for a certain gross trailer weight and tongue weight. Always abide by the lowest rating in your towing system. Additionally, a hitch extender can reduce the tongue weight or vertical load capacity of your vehicle’s hitch. Extenders under 12” reduce load capacity by 25%. Extenders over 12” reduce load capacity by 50%.

Disclaimer: These photographs, recommendations, and approximations are intended for demonstration purposes only and do not reflect the specifications of any particular tow vehicle, recreational vehicle, or trailer. Always consult the manufacturer’s Owner’s Manual.