Hitch extenders

[MC1]

It is a bad idea. Our local well known towing specialist makes every effort to get the ball as close to the back bumper as possible.

If you review the physics involved you will see that by extending the ball back you are increasing the overhang to wheelbase ratio. "In effect" your combination will act as if you have a shorter vehicle wheelbase.

As others have stated it also adds additional stress on the receiver hardware.

[cpaharley2008]

Since the tongue jack seems to be the culprit here, why not replace it with a sidewinder and keep the stock set up?

[ruscal]

As Patvetzal suggests above, extending the trailer would be a better approach. With dual batteries and dual propane tanks the extension would lessen the tongue weight at the TV and help the trailer balance. Perhaps you could scab onto the side of the existing tongue back under the trailer which would stiffen the stock tongue. Welding access would be tough with the body on, so some creativity would be in order. A weld on solution would be preferable to a bolt on.
Russ

[john warren]

we have the same sort of problem with our liberty. had to remove the spare tire to hook up. i bought a longer ball plug so it sticks out far enough. yes i can feel the trailer a little more then when it was tight to the car. but still no problems with the set up.

[cpaharley2008]

I towed with a Liberty CRD and I ended up removing the tongue jack vs spare tire and installed a swing up jack. Worked for me.

[Imo.]

After reading these posts, you all have most likely solved a problem for me....last fall I was going to use my tractor to back the scamp, but i was afraid the tongue would hit those big back tires on the tractor unless i really watched it. Then i was going to use the garden tractor and thought the same thing......finally used the tow vehicle which is a 98 dodge ram, with a shell and sometimes hard to see thru. I was trying to move from the scamp's usual spot to another spot that had a tree in back, the garage on one side, another shed, and a 4 bay shed in front. Room to manuver with caution.

One of these days i will make it down to the local auto store and get an extender as i can most likely use it for other things. thanks