Best Trailer Hitch Extender

CURT 45791 8-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

Reese 80233 16-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

MaxxHaul 70070 Dual Trailer Hitch Extender

Hitches are a big investment and it is important to choose the right one for your needs. The trailer hitch extender is a great way to save money on gas and get more space in your vehicle. With so many different models, finding the perfect one can be difficult. This article will answer all of your questions about trailer hitch extenders with product reviews and helpful tips!

A trailer hitch extender is a device that attaches to your existing vehicle’s trailer hitch. It gives you the ability to attach many items with wider bases, such as cargo carriers and bike racks, which are too wide for your regular-sized hatchback or trunk opening.

Why use a hitch extender?

There are many reasons to use a trailer hitch extender. The main reason is that they help you get more space in your vehicle, which comes in handy when traveling with kids or pets! It also helps save money on gas by maximizing the amount of weight you can carry. This saves time and energy because it reduces the strain on your engine thus increasing fuel efficiency .

Another good reason for using a trailer hitch extender is if you’re trying to attach cargo carriers and bike racks that have wide bases too large for your regular-sized hatchback opening:

  • You will be able to transport heavier items
  • Cargo carriers and bike racks with larger bases give more storage space than traditional ones attached directly into the trunk/hatchback door
  • You can attach multiple carriers and racks onto one vehicle

Many people choose to use a hitch extender because it is an easy way to transport extra luggage or equipment when traveling. Some models have side rails which allow you to add on accessories like baskets, tool boxes, lights, etc. This makes your trailer hitch extender very versatile! With so many different items available in stores today that are compatible with this device – the possibilities are endless!

Best Trailer Hitch Extenders Reviewed

CURT 45791 8-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

CURT 45791 8-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

The first model is this eight-inch extender by CURT which comes with a two inch receiver tube size. We like the fact it’s made from heavy duty steel and has an easy to access locking pin – perfect for quickly attaching your cargo carriers or bike rack without taking up much space!

However, we didn’t like how you had to purchase another hitch pin separately (which was too bulk) but otherwise very happy with the quality of construction here! As far as sizing goes – there’s no problem using on smaller vehicles because one thing that makes this stand out is its drop/rise measurement of only four inches total; usually between five and six on other models so great if wanting something compatible.

There’s also a little bit of wiggle room on this extender which may not be to everyone’s taste. But, don’t get us wrong it works just fine and should do what you need or want from an extender at half or less than most other brands out there! Certainly recommend checking them both out before going with something else though because overall we think they’re worth every penny even when needing two separate pieces like these ones.

PROs
  • Made from heavy duty steel
  • Easy to access locking pin
CONs
  • Need separate hitch lock and bolt as they don’t come included with the extension.
CURT 45789 7-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

CURT 45789 7-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

If you’re looking at this seven-inch extender by CURT then we think you’ll love this one too. It comes with almost the same features as the other model but of course has a different length; still not bad though and for more than half of what most others cost it’s no surprise they fly off the shelves!

We like how sturdy yet lightweight (27 pounds) these are which means your cargo can be safely attached without any problems – great if even hauling something heavy or putting on another bike rack. The only drawback is that just like the first product, there’s nothing included to attach them so do check out some hitch pins before deciding whether or not to go ahead.

However once again, definitely recommend getting this for a good price and taking it into consideration as an option.

Here’s another great product by CURT that we’d recommend you also take a look at if this one doesn’t fit your needs. The six-inch extender is slightly shorter but still weighs very little (27 pounds) so shouldn’t be too much of a problem to attach even something heavy. We love how sturdy they are although many customers have experienced them rusting over time which means the metal may not be as high quality – however despite this, should do well enough!

PROs
  • Very lightweight (27 pounds)
  • Sturdy
CONs
  • Possible rust over time
MaxxHaul 70070 Dual Trailer Hitch Extender

MaxxHaul 70070 Dual Trailer Hitch Extender

This is not exactly what we’d call a product but more of an accessory so don’t be fooled by the price as you could possibly make it yourself – still, MaxxHaul’s model does look good and for something that you can take on or off whenever needed (makes sense!) has some great reviews!

The main downside to this one however if why it gets three stars. Many customers have complained about them being too short which makes attaching anything difficult; others say they are flimsy even though their weight suggests otherwise while yet more state how long they take to put together. Not very ideal then but do check out further product details before making your final decision.

Here are two other products worth taking into account when getting trailer hitch extenders.

First of all, MaxxHaul’s product is a standard size hitch extender that you can easily install on your own without the need for any tools whatsoever – great if it fits perfectly! It measures 20” x 13.75” x 23” and comes with an anti-rattle bolt to keep things in place while not being too heavy at just 22 pounds. What makes this one stand out however are its double safety cables which would protect both sides rather than having separate ones like others do (although they’re only included when bought as a set). Great reviews overall but also some flaws mentioned by users – take into account that many have had problems attaching anything due to the height issue!

PROs
  • Standard size
  • Anti-rattle bolt keeps things in place
CONs
  • Smaller height makes attaching items difficult (might need an extension)
CURT 45796 18-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

CURT 45796 18-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

The CURT 45796 18-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender. When parking in tight spaces, towing long trailers, or hauling other large loads where you need maximum clearance to the back of your vehicle; the additional length this extender provides is perfect for your needs. This trailer hitch extension can also be used with cargo carriers, bike racks and even utility trailers. The heavy duty receiver hitch extension is durably constructed from high strength steel that’s rated 3 1/2 tons+. It has 2″ x 2″ shank to fit industry standard hitch receivers and provide 18″ of extra clearance between bumper and attachment point for trailer tongue weight ratings up 350 lbs.

The CURT 45796 Trailer Hitch Receiver Extender. The 18-Inch model is a great solution for when you need maximum clearance to the back of your vehicle, such as when parking in tight spaces or when towing long trailers. This hitch extension can also be used with cargo carriers, bike racks and even utility trailers. It has a durable steel construction that’s rated at 350 pounds of tongue weight capacity (watch out! some similar products won’t offer this). Its two inch by two inch shank fits industry standard hitch receivers and provides an additional eighteen inches between bumper and attachment point which makes it perfect if you require more stopping power on highways too because it gives more room for longer trailer tongues which means having better brake control during stops.

PROs
  • Provides 18″ of extra clearance between bumper and attachment point
  • Fits industry standard hitch receivers
  • Durable steel construction rated to 350 pounds of tongue weight capacity (watch out! some similar products won’t offer this)
CONs
  • No cons listed.
CURT 45795 14-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

CURT 45795 14-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

The CURT 45795 14-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender. This allows a trailer hitch to attach further from the back of your vehicle, so you can tow trailers or haul cargo with greater ease and have more stopping power on highways because it gives more room for longer trailer tongues which means having better brake control during stops.

The heavy duty receiver hitch extension is durably constructed from high strength steel that’s rated at 500 pounds tongue weight capacity (watch out! some similar products won’t offer this). It has a two inch by two inch shank fits industry standard receiver hitches and provides fourteen inches between bumper and attachment point which makes it perfect if you require even more clearance than the 18″ extender offers; but still not nearly as much distance as the 24″ model.

This hitch extension has a black powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion, so no worries about it getting rusty in your garage or on the road when wet; that is if you don’t like shiny chrome finishes (many people do). This extender weighs 11 pounds which makes it easy enough for one person to handle but heavy duty enough not be easily damaged by wind gusts during transport. The two inch shank also features an attached safety chain loop with fastener holes to connect the trailer’s safety chains directly through this point rather than having them run behind the adapter bar (if they can even fit around there), which means better brake control since you won’t accidentally pull out of stop position while making a turn.

PROs
  • 14″ trailer hitch extender distance
  • 500 lbs tongue weight capacity
CONs
  • None
Reese 80306 18-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

Reese 80306 18-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

The Reese 80306 18″ Trailer Hitch Extender fits a standard two inch hitch receiver and provides eighteen inches of distance between your vehicle’s back bumper and the trailer attachment point. This is much longer than the 14″, but not as long as 24″.

It has a one-inch diameter round steel tube, which makes it stronger than most other similar products that only have half inch or three quarter inch tubing. The weight capacity for this product is 500 pounds tongue load (watch out! some similar products won’t offer this).

This extender has an all black powder coated finish to resist rusting from road salt in winter time, rain dampness during summer storms, or simply fogging up with dust over time if you store it in your garage.

Also, it has a round steel ball on the end of the extender that inserts into your hitch receiver to provide easy connection for your trailer. This also helps prevent scratching up or damaging any part of either vehicle during removal and storage. It’s 18″ long so there’s no plastic tips dangling down under your car when you drive which can cause damage over time from road vibrations and abrasion against concrete surfaces such as parking lots, etc…

PROs
  • 18″ long for strong connection between vehicles
  • All metal construction (ball and tubing) – no plastic to crack or break
CONs
  • Ball is not removable, may scratch car when removing.
Reese 80232 16-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

Reese 80232 16-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

The Reese 80232 16″ Trailer Hitch Extender is a little shorter than the 18″, so it will be good for lighter use. If you plan on hooking up only one trailer occasionally, this would work fine since there’s no big difference in price between these two models.

It has same black powder coating to resist rust and abrasion from road salt or dust over time if stored inside your garage when not attached to vehicle. Round steel ball at end inserts into hitch receiver like the other model, but it also comes with removable plastic caps that fit securely onto each end of tube when traveling because they’re detachable (unlike some models which don’t offer this). This makes removing easy without scratching car surface where extender ends touch.

A nice feature of this extender is the round steel ball on one end inserts into hitch receiver like other models, but it also comes with removable plastic caps that fit securely onto each end when traveling because they’re detachable (unlike some models which don’t offer this). This makes removing easy without scratching car surface where extenders ends touch.

PROs
  • Lightweight steel-ball design fits into hitch receiver like other models
  • Comes with detachable plastic caps to prevent scratching car’s surface when traveling; easy removal without tools
  • Short length is good for lighter loads and occasional use, but still sturdy enough for some larger trailers
CONs
  • Taller than 16″ overall so not as suitable if you need the extender every day or more often.
Reese Towpower 7060100 Dual Trailer Hitch Extender

Reese Towpower 7060100 Dual Trailer Hitch Extender

If you need a longer extender, check out the Reese Towpower Dual Hitch Receiver Extender. It’s almost twice as long at 32″ overall and has same powder coating to resist rust or abrasion from road salt or dust over time if stored inside your garage when not attached to vehicle.

Round steel ball on one end inserts into hitch receiver like other models, but it also comes with removable plastic caps that fit securely onto each end of tube when traveling because they’re detachable (unlike some models which don’t offer this). This makes removing easy without scratching car surface where extender ends touch.

It does come in an 80-pound max weight capacity so this would be good for heavier loads than the 16″, depending on the weight of your equipment.

Also, some owners have had difficulty with screws loosening on this model over time so be sure to double-check all bolts periodically if you use it more frequently or for heavy loads.

PROs
  • Dual ball hitch for extra strength
  • Detachable plastic caps on end of tube to protect vehicle when not attached
CONs
  • May be too long for some car trunks or storage areas, especially if you have a low roofline.
Draw-Tite 80307 8-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

Draw-Tite 80307 8-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

This model measures just under eight inches long so it’s another good option for vehicles with low clearance to accommodate full travel trailers or car rear trunk storage areas where height can be an issue (although there are also shorter extenders that would work well in these situations too – see above).

While not larger than most other models on this list, keep in mind that at just over six pounds weight capacity, many lighter loads will still fit within limits of this hitch extension but may exceed max load if trailer has extra heavy equipment like a snowplow or high lift jacks.

Many owners say they’ve found this mount to install and remove when needed relatively easily, although some do say that the locking mechanism can be somewhat cumbersome.

PROs
  • Good price point
  • Easy installation
CONs
  • Some have found the locking mechanism is cumbersome.
Reese 80233 16-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

Reese 80233 16-Inch Trailer Hitch Extender

This model is one of the longest available (at 16 inches), so if you’re looking for a hitch extension to accommodate larger loads or longer equipment, this could be an option.

As mentioned earlier, it’s probably not the best choice for shorter vehicles with lower clearance – keep in mind that at about nine pounds weight capacity on this unit maxes out pretty close to its overall length (which is 16 inches and measures from the center of the hitch pinhole).

While it’s not as low-profile as other models out there, this Reese 80233 Trailer Hitch Extender still sits very close to your vehicle. It does extend back a bit further than most extenders (16″ vs 12″), but that also means you’re going to need more clearance if using with an SUV or truck – we recommend checking for how much space you have behind your bumper before purchasing.

PROs
  • Very long (16-inch)
  • Sits close to the car
  • Folds for easy storage
CONs
  • Fairly heavy (nearly nine pounds) at 16 inches long.

What to Look for When Buying a Trailer Hitch Extender

Receiver Tube Size

The receiver tube size of a trailer hitch extender is measured in inches and the most common sizes are one-inch, two-inch or inch and a half. The most common type for cars is the one-inch because it fits almost all vehicles with an existing rear bumper mounted trailer hitch (also referred to as Class I). If you own a large SUV like Ford Explorer, Chevy Tahoe etc., then most likely your model comes standard with this size and there’s no need to buy another. However if you want more space inside your trunk/hatchback opening – opt for either the two-inch or inch and a half models which fit larger receivers.

Receiver Tube Length

When looking at the different receiver tube lengths, it’s important to consider what you will be using your trailer hitch extender for. If you are planning on adding bulky cargo carriers with wide bases – opt for a larger model that offers more space between your vehicle and carrier. This allows enough room so they do not touch when driving. For this reason most models come in either 18 or 24-inch lengths which offer plenty of interior space while moving!

Gross Trailer Weight GTW

The gross trailer weight, or GTW is the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can handle when attached to a trailer hitch extender. It’s important to know this number so you don’t overload your tow ball because that could cause it to break which will result in damage! For most cars, trucks and SUVs – the general rule of thumb is half of what you are hauling should be allocated for cargo carriers/bike racks with at least 150 pounds more than passengers included (e.g., if there’s five people riding shotgun then three hundred and fifty pounds should be left for cargo).

Tongue Weight (TW)

The tongue weight, or TW is the amount of downward force your trailer hitch extender applies to your tow ball. Similar to GTW – it’s very important you know this number so you do not overload it because that could also cause damage! A good rule for most vehicles (regardless of size) is one-fourth of what you are hauling should be allocated for cargo carriers/bike racks (e.g., if there’s five people riding shotgun then six hundred pounds should be left).

Rise / Drop

A rise or drop is the difference in height between your trailer hitch extender’s main body and part that attaches to your tow ball. For most trailers, there should be no more than four inches of space here – otherwise you could damage your car while driving or encounter issues when attaching it!

For example, if a model has an overall length of 18-inches with two inch receiver tube size then this would mean the rise/drop will measure at least six inches total.

Hitch Pins

A hitch pin is the part that attaches your trailer hitch extender to your vehicle. Like all other components, it comes in different sizes so make sure you purchase a model with one compatible for your car’s size! The most common types are inch and a quarter or five-eighths of an inch both of which should fit almost every type on the road today.

One thing to note here – if opting for a two-inch receiver tube then no need to buy another as this standardizes between models. However if going with the larger version (inch and half) be prepared because they will require either large diameter pins like those used by horse trailers/motorcycles etc., or locks such as Bulldog Locks .

Powder Coat Finish

The final consideration is the type of powder coat finish used on your trailer hitch extender’s exterior. Almost all models come with a textured black matte which looks great and offers plenty of protection from weather etc., but you can also find some with a smooth shiny surface as well which gives it more style!

What Are The Benefits of a Trailer Hitch Extender?

There are many benefits to using a trailer hitch extender for your vehicle. Some of the main ones include:

  • Extends your vehicle’s storage space
  • Maximizes the weight you can carry
  • Helps save money on gas by maximizing fuel efficiency
  • Suitable for different types of carriers and racks with wider bases (e.g., cargo, bike)
  • Allows flexibility when transporting extra luggage or equipment while traveling
  • Adds on accessories like baskets, tool boxes and lights making it very versatile
  • Easy to install and remove
  • Many models available for different types of vehicles (e.g., SUV, truck)

Tips for using the trailer hitch extender

  • Try to measure the distance from your car’s hitch receiver to a wall or post inside of your garage. If you can’t, try measuring this distance on another vehicle of similar size and type in order to get an idea about how far it is.
  • Once you have determined where exactly you need the extender placed, place a marker at that location so that when you drill holes for mounting the extension bars on either side of the trailer hitch all measurements will be accurate.
  • Use two small pieces of wood as spacers between the swivel brackets and your car’s bumper cover while installing them. This’ll hold everything away from each other without scratching anything up!
  • The last step before installation is which end goes forward (towards the front of your car) and which end goes back (towards the rear of your vehicle). You don’t want to have a mishap with this so take note before you install it.
  • While installing, make sure that all bolts are tight after installation is complete! Then enjoy being able to tow an extra load behind your vehicle safely with no trouble at all!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Hitch Extenders Safe?

Yes, they are. The ball mount doesn’t go back to the receiver tube but rather just rests on top of it. There is no risk whatsoever that your vehicle will be damaged because of this device being installed in your trailer hitch.

Does a Hitch Adapter Reduce Tongue Weight?

No, this product does not reduce tongue weight. It will increase it however! Be sure to pay attention to the maximum tongue weight your vehicle can handle or else you’ll wind up with a broken ball mount and/or trailer hitch receiver tube which is extremely dangerous!

How Close to Maximum Tow Capacity is Safe?

It depends on the car you have! There is a vehicle specific capacity that your hitch can handle. Be sure to look at this before purchasing an extender so as not to overload it and damage anything in the process.

Be especially wary of how much tongue weight a ball mount allows for when using one with an adapter because if overloaded, there’s no telling what could happen next! It would be best to stay away from overloading either way though just in case something goes wrong.

Does a hitch extender reduce towing capacity?

Yes, it does. A ball mount will reduce the weight capacity of your tow hitch by a specified amount so be sure to pay attention when purchasing one!

Are hitch extenders safe?

Yes, they are. The ball mount doesn’t go back to the receiver tube but rather just rests on top of it. There is no risk whatsoever that your vehicle will be damaged because of this device being installed in your trailer hitch.

Conclusion

Whether you need to haul a large load or tow your boat, trailer hitch extenders are an essential tool for any truck owner. Not only do they fit in the bed of your pickup and give you more room to work with; but they also allow you to pull trailers that would otherwise be too big. To find out which Trailer Hitch Extender is best for you, we’ve included reviews and FAQs below along with our top picks.