Best towing solution using OEM hitch and 36" extension?
#1
07-15-2018, 08:33 PM
Best towing solution using OEM hitch and 36" extension?
Hey guys - I am now looking into towing a small to medium trailer with a side-by-side on it or a couple of 4 wheelers. Truck specs are in my signature, our TC is a Host Mammoth. I figure with 200-500 pounds of tongue weight, we'll be getting close to our axles and tire specs, so I'm not wanting to install more hardware or buy a SuperHitch. I have a basic 36" extension that I got with our last camper but have never used it.
I can probably rig something up with chain and turnbuckles to stop the side-to-side movement but am particularly curious how to control the up/down movement and if it's even important to. So in you guy's opinions, what are the best towing extension solutions using the Ford OEM hitch? Figured I'd ask you innovative folks here before trying to recreate the wheel.
I can probably rig something up with chain and turnbuckles to stop the side-to-side movement but am particularly curious how to control the up/down movement and if it's even important to. So in you guy's opinions, what are the best towing extension solutions using the Ford OEM hitch? Figured I'd ask you innovative folks here before trying to recreate the wheel.
#2
07-16-2018, 06:57 AM
Logistics Pro
AW,
I don't have a specific solution for you. However, I would like to offer a caution and a suggestion.
Because of the rear overhang, tongue weight applied to a hitch ball is mutiplied as it's transfered to the rear axle. For a truck with a 176" wheelbase and ~an 55" rear overhang (rear axle to tow ball), the multiplication factor is (176 + 55) / 176 = 1.31. So, applying 200 - 500 lbs. of tongue weight on the tow ball translates into ~262 - 655 lbs. onto the back axle. There's a corresponding reduction (~62 - 155 lbs.) on the front axle.
Adding a 36" extension to the hitch receiver will increase the multiplier to (176 + 55 + 36) / 176 = 1.52. Applying 300 - 500 lbs. of tongue weight on the tow ball will translate into ~304 - 760 lbs. onto the back axle.
A weight distributing hitch may be worth further consideration.
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
I don't have a specific solution for you. However, I would like to offer a caution and a suggestion.
I figure with 200-500 pounds of tongue weight
Adding a 36" extension to the hitch receiver will increase the multiplier to (176 + 55 + 36) / 176 = 1.52. Applying 300 - 500 lbs. of tongue weight on the tow ball will translate into ~304 - 760 lbs. onto the back axle.
A weight distributing hitch may be worth further consideration.
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
#3
07-16-2018, 10:51 AM
#4
07-16-2018, 12:37 PM
I have a Reese 2 1/2 inch hitch extension like the one here:
http://www.reeseprod.com/products/hi...R4RkMsE576VeBN
The only thing I town behind our Northern Lite 8.11 QCSE is an ATV trailer with one CanAm Outlander MAX XT, two up ATV. I will put a cooler on it and a couple gas cans if needed. If not pulling the trailer I will put our Thule swing away bike rack on the hitch. I have never had a problem and never have been concerned about weight because all told I am may hauling/towing 2500-3000 lbs at the very most. If I was looking to tow a horse trailer or larger enclosed trailer with a lot more weight that would be a different story.
http://www.reeseprod.com/products/hi...R4RkMsE576VeBN
The only thing I town behind our Northern Lite 8.11 QCSE is an ATV trailer with one CanAm Outlander MAX XT, two up ATV. I will put a cooler on it and a couple gas cans if needed. If not pulling the trailer I will put our Thule swing away bike rack on the hitch. I have never had a problem and never have been concerned about weight because all told I am may hauling/towing 2500-3000 lbs at the very most. If I was looking to tow a horse trailer or larger enclosed trailer with a lot more weight that would be a different story.
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