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What are you folks using for a hitch extension when flat towing? With my slide on camper I have a 24" overhang and looking at either the Curt C45048 or the Reese RP45292. Both can be cut back to 24" and have great towing and tongue weight values, but neither identify their use is OK for flat towing. Towed vehicle will be an '88 Jeep Wrangler (only option is the in-line 6), so weight will be low. Curt is reviewing it for me however they are unsure of the handling with a towed vehicle being that far back. Not interested in the Torklift super hitch, its a finely engineered product however its a substantial investment by the time everything required is procured.
I have the Curt, and it is cut down to 24”.So far, I’ve only used it to test tow my small bass boat (2000lbs). No issues, next trip will be with the camper on too. One thing I did like is how much more maneuverable the trailer is when backing due to the added length of the hitch. I can see where that “may” be an issue towing something with a tow bar. I’d give it try locally before hitting the road. Curvy roads may be exciting.
I like the Curt and Reese extension due to the high tow and tongue ratings. I'm trying to find a dual use extension I can use for towing my boat (5200# +/-) or flat towing the Jeep (3000# +/-), but if i need two separate extensions based on use intended, no big deal. A friend has a blue-ox tow system for his Jeep (behind a 38' class-A). Were going to hook up his set-up behind my truck and see how far back the towed vehicle is w/o any extension at all. It has a shank thats about 10" long and slides into the receiver, plus the length of the tow bar itself.
Below is the link to the Reese extension I use on my camper. I would not see any problems at all flat towing as you virtually have no downward weight on the hitch. It has been a great extension for me.
Just use two chains with turnbuckles from the end of the extension to the far left and right sides of the hitch to provide lateral stability. I use that setup to tow my 4000 lb cargo trailer with my 4500 lb camper loaded on the truck. Should be no problem with the towbar as long as you prevent the extension from moving or trying to move laterally.
Just use two chains with turnbuckles from the end of the extension to the far left and right sides of the hitch to provide lateral stability. I use that setup to tow my 4000 lb cargo trailer with my 4500 lb camper loaded on the truck. Should be no problem with the towbar as long as you prevent the extension from moving or trying to move laterally.
Flat towing has nearly no tongue weight on the tow vehicle so the extension wouldn't be as bad when compared to a trailer. If you have any welding skills you can also make a longer tow bar form the Jeep to the truck.
Going to go with either the Reese or Curt as long as the towed vehicle doesn't exceed the tow ratings for the extension, I personally don't see what the difference in trailer or flat towing would be. I agree on the lateral bracing. I will most likely end up with two separate extensions the 2-1/2"-2"x36" (cut down to 24") when towing a conventional trailer (on the ball) and a 12" or 18" extension when towing with a shank style tow bar (so the towed vehicle doesn't end up too far back with the 24" extension).
I use a Curt Tow Bar. I've used it on two different pickups over a lot of miles pulling a horse trailer, a boat, when they still had it, the folks 28' camp trailer without any problem what so ever.
I have a square clamp that fits over the tube just in front of the receiver that cinches down on the bar and receiver (big bolt in picture). When it is tightened down and the locking nut secured, the bar is rigid and does not move. The turnbuckles are added security to insure there is no movement.
96 which has been pretty much retired from camper hauling and long bar towing now. 2011 Dually
Ended up with the Curt 24”/34” cut down to 24” (6000# or 8000# with weight distribution). Safety chains (5000#/side) to the hitch w/7600# (each) SS turnbuckles @ 45d angle back to hitch (extra chain just in case). Thanks for all the input.
I use the Curt extension at 36" and have no issues. However I did look at torklift with their new "cannon" it's a 3" tube with a 2.5" receiver. Most capable hitch extension that I've seen besides going with a dual receiver hitch.
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