We pull a 2022 LXE (less 1 ton dry weight) with a 2020 Honda Ridgeline.? When the camper is attached access to the truck bed is restricted.? We are considering an 8 inch hitch extender.
Has anybody tried this? Any concerns we should be mindful of?
Thank you
Joel Batha
Madison, Wisconsin?

A lot of those hitch extenders?say that it cuts your max tongue weight in half.? The same goes for extended ball mounts, which do the same thing.? Your Ridgeline has a 500 or 600 max tongue weight, so you have some extra capacity.? Depending on the number of batteries and propane tanks on your trailer tongue, you may have anywhere from 250 to 350 lbs tongue weight, so that may work.?

How much extra length do you need??

If I were you, I'd measure the extra length needed, and if it's not too much, I'd get an extended length ball mount, and then have a machine shop cut and redrill the ball mount shank to the exact length needed.? You don't want that thing any longer than necessary.

It also probably wouldn't hurt to call Honda and see what they say about extended length ball mounts.

BTW you trailer tongue weight is a lot more than what's listed in the aliner website.? The aliner number doesn't include batteries or propane.

As an example.? My 2009 Classic weighs 2150 with bare minimum camping gear.? No food, clothes, water etc.??


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Don DeRyke
Sunrise, Florida

2009 Classic, 2020 Ford Escape, 2.0 liter EcoBoost, AWD.?
Previous TV 2015 Ford Escape 1.6 ltr EcoBoost engine.

When figuring length, don't forget to consider a parking situation where the front end is higher than the rear creating somewhat of a V.? This tilts the jack post towards the tailgate and is something I have to watch for with the minivan.? Very cautious due to the automatic opening of the rear minivan hatch.

Same goes if you are parked with the TV turned to the left or right, distance reduces.
Regardless, make sure ball height is proper for keeping trailer frame level while going down the road.??

That brings up one other issue too.? When towing over a driveway dip, an extended hitch will come closer to the ground and may hit.? If that happens it may damage your tongue jack.? You can raise the tongue jack a bit to compensate, but it's best to extend the hitch as little as possible.

I installed a Jack-E-Up and just remove the trailer jack when towing and even at the campsite (after I have dropped the four stabilizers) on my Ranger 12.??

You can find them on Amazon and eBay, as well as at RV and trailer retailers.?

I am considering the shortest extender possible - 6 to 8 inches, only.

Removing the trailer jack, while camping is not advised - the stabilizer jacks are just that - stabilizer jacks.? They are not made to support the weight of the trailer - you can either bend the jacks or the frame by doing that

I had never seen the Jack-E-Up before. That is a great simple solution. I can’t fully open the tailgate on our TV when the trailer is hooked up because it hits the jack. This would allow easy access to the bed of the truck and prevent accidental damage to the jack from pavement contact. Thank you!
JoeS

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Don DeRyke
Sunrise, Florida

2009 Classic, 2020 Ford Escape, 2.0 liter EcoBoost, AWD.?
Previous TV 2015 Ford Escape 1.6 ltr EcoBoost engine.

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Hi Gang:

It isn't the capacity of the stabilizers that mater, it is what they are attached to. On my Aliner it is the OSB panel floor.

Carl.

Really?? Mine are under the main frame.? And although I am not advocating this. I found I could drop the tongue as low as possible, drop the rear BAL Type C jacks to the ground and lift both wheels off the ground by raising the tongue jack.? I did it to know if I could in a pinch.? ?


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Don DeRyke
Sunrise, Florida

2009 Classic, 2020 Ford Escape, 2.0 liter EcoBoost, AWD.?
Previous TV 2015 Ford Escape 1.6 ltr EcoBoost engine.