hitch extender ?

**rbhtrail** · 08-17-2019, 03:34 PM

Has anyone added a hitch extender to the hitch so that you can open the Trailmanor while it's still connected to the towing vehicle. We plan to travel with a canoe attached to the roof of the vehicle which extends beyond the tow hitch.
Thanks in advance for your experience's

**Larryjb** · 08-17-2019, 03:52 PM

While I don't have a hitch extender, my WDH does poke out farther than other hitches, but by only a few inches. So, this would probably not work for you.

**Bill** · 08-17-2019, 04:37 PM

I've never used one, but there was a lot of discussion at

https://www.trailmanorowners.com/for...ead.php?t=9967

Perhaps you can find something useful there.

Harbor Freight has one rated for 5000 pounds - item number 69882.

Bill

**dab1950** · 08-18-2019, 07:07 AM

I have the HF # 97685 Hitch Extender with step
Bought it to use with the boat trailer. The additional 16" of hitch length helps
keep the tailpipe of the TV out of the water when launching. Does a great job in
that respect. However, although it is not stated on the HF website/detail page,
with the product came a warning that using the extender reduces the tongue
weight capacity by 50%. That's not a problem with my boat but there's no way
I could use this extender with my WDH and the TM.
I agree with Larry. The use of a WDH on my SUV gives me enough room to
open the front shell of the TM. I can't open the SUV rear hatch like that. But
that's what we do for a overnight stop enroute to a different destination.
Hope this helps.

Peterbug · 08-18-2019, 09:30 AM

dab1950 pointed to the reduced weight rating on your hitch when using the hitch extender. The reason why is important for other adjustments and modifications you may consider in the future: The extension from your hitch receiver works like a lever or 'cheater bar', increasing the rotation force on the receiver.
This is very important for those towing without a WDH, and the temptation to find some manufacturer that does not specify the derating of the hitch capacity is to be resisted.
A WDH does reduce this rotation force IF THE WDH CHAINS ARE TAUT, but does NOT if the chains are slack as might happen when the front of the TV goes down. So, as the TV and trailer go over the peak of a hill, the chains go slack and do not protect the hitch receiver.
With all of the heavy loads, complexities of dynamic forces, and legal liabilities that would result from such a modification, my suggestion is that you spend your time modifying the canoe mount so that you can easily slide the canoe forward while parked and TM is up. Tip: Make a yellow reminder flag that you clip to the canoe in front of your windshield to remind you about the canoe's forward position, so that you remember to re-set the canoe before getting back on the road.

**rbhtrail** · 08-18-2019, 02:35 PM

All this talk about WDH . I plan to tow a 2720 with a Toyota 4 Runner which has a towing capability of 5000 # . With a gcwr of 11300 #.
I a WDH necessary ?

**Larryjb** · 08-18-2019, 03:08 PM

My towing capacity is over 8000 lbs and I use a WDH. For me, it's not necessary, but I like to have the weight more returned to the steering wheels.

I think the 4 Runner is also RWD based 4WD, so you could probably get away without the WDH. Be aware that you can overload the rear axle without exceeding the GCWR.

**dab1950** · 08-18-2019, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbhtrail

All this talk about WDH . I plan to tow a 2720 with a Toyota 4 Runner which has a towing capability of 5000 # . With a gcwr of 11300 #.
I a WDH necessary ?

Thank you for sharing your TV and the TM model. This eliminates a lot of guess
work.
The TM has a tongue weight in the 400 lbs class. I assume you have a class 3
receiver which should have a tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs. This eliminates
the use of a hitch extender.
I researched other threads here in the forum and found at least one other
4 Runner owner who tows without a WDH. They reported the hitch drops 2.5-3
inches when the TM is attached. You would just have to test your configuration
to see how much the hitch drops and how much weight is taken off your front
wheels. A WDH would eliminate the drop and put the weight back on your
front wheels to be able to steer safely.
One more point. I don't mean to alarm you but I also found a discussion about 4 Runners;
some should not use a WDH at all as it could damage the vehicle? That
sounds bizarre but warrants in depth research to be sure. Check your owners
manual?
Please keep us updated.

**Larryjb** · 08-18-2019, 07:49 PM

Even if your TV does not drop when hooked up, all that means is that you have a load leveling suspension, or stiff springs. However, the weight has not actually been transferred leaving potentially too much weight on the rear axle.

ThePair · 08-19-2019, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dab1950

One more point. I don't mean to alarm you but I also found a discussion about 4 Runners;
some should not use a WDH at all as it could damage the vehicle? That
sounds bizarre but warrants in depth research to be sure. Check your owners
manual?
Please keep us updated.

This is an important note. I am currently towing with an Audi Q7. The manual explicitly states not to use a WDH or risk damage to the vehicle hitch. The manual also encourages maximum hitch weight to prevent sway. Since the tow rating on my TV is 770/7700, I'm not at all concerned about towing without WDH on my 3600# 2720 TM, but at a 5000# rating I would probably use WDH unless the manufacturer stated otherwise.