Towing Extensions

saxyappy · **Joined:** Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:45 am **Posts:** 12

Ok, I just got a factory towing hitch for my '03 Renny so I can tow a trailer this weekend. Now, I'm seeing these "hitch extenders" advertised for the Libby.

Do I need a hitch extender to tow without removing my spare? If so, what extenders do you guys recommend?

OBX KJ · **Posted:** Mon Jan 23, 2006 2:47 pm

Make sure that you pay attention to the weight capacity reduction before you tow :!:

saxyappy · **Joined:** Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:45 am **Posts:** 12

OBX KJ wrote:

Make sure that you pay attention to the weight capacity reduction before you tow :!:

Ok, I'm showing my ignorance here. :oops:

What exactly are you refering too?

LibertyCRD · **Posted:** Mon Jan 23, 2006 3:21 pm

I bought a 14" ball mount from ontheball.com to use on my KJ. It gets the ball out past the spare so the trailer jack handle won't hit my spare wheel.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Mon Jan 23, 2006 4:40 pm

I simply got a ome 2in lift and got a 2in ball drop to get it away from the spare. Works GREAT!! :lol:

hankwood · **Posted:** Mon Jan 23, 2006 5:45 pm

there is a difference between "hitch extensions" and an "extended hitch". the hitch extensions slide into the receiver, and then your hitch (also called ball mounts, draw bar, stinger, many others i'm sure) slide into the hitch extension. this type does reduce your weight pulling and supporting capacity. an "extended hitch" is actually just a longer ball mount that slides directly into the receiver hitch on your vehicle. the two most common lengths of ball mounts are 9" and 12", but 13" and 14" are also available. these do not lower the amount of weight you can tow or support. the 12" is the shortest you can go with no drop on the ball mount, and to use a 9" you will have to have at least 2" of drop to clear the spare tire.

OBX KJ · **Posted:** Mon Jan 23, 2006 5:50 pm

The length of the trailer's tongue and trailer style will also come into play.

rocketjocky · **Posted:** Mon Jan 23, 2006 6:30 pm

As OBX KJ said " The length of the trailer's tongue and trailer style will also come into play." I've hauled several diferent trailers I think it really depends on the type of tongue the trailer has. My little trailer has the type that flips up 90 deg to release the ball, I use a longer ball mount ( the part that slides in to the hitch) on it because the lever hits the spare. It's ok when the trailer is empty I can one hand the trailer and hold the lever with the other, but a pain with a loaded trailer. The Uhaul trailer I've pulled had the type that unscrewed to release the ball. I use a standars ball mount for this and have no problems. Yes this means I carry two ball mounts, I am willing to do this because each has a different size ball. If you only needed the one size just get the longer ballmount. The hitch extension also adds to the noise of the hitch as there are more parts bouncing down the road with you.

scottslibby · **Posted:** Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:44 pm

anyone currently using air bags in their coils with a lift?If so were did you get them?

Towing Extensions

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