Choosing The Right Extended Hitch For Your 10-Foot Camper

When it comes to towing a 10-foot camper, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, you need to ensure that your vehicle has sufficient towing capacity and tongue weight rating to handle the weight of the camper and any additional cargo. It is crucial to stay within the manufacturer's recommended limits to ensure safety and avoid overloading your vehicle. Secondly, you may need to use a hitch extender to provide enough clearance between the camper and the vehicle. The length of the extender will depend on the specific dimensions of your setup, and it's important to choose one that is compatible with your vehicle's receiver hitch size. Keep in mind that using a hitch extender can reduce your vehicle's tongue weight capacity, so it's essential to select an extender with an appropriate weight rating. Additionally, consider consulting a specialist or referring to online resources for guidance on matching your truck and camper setup, as well as any necessary towing equipment.

Torklift SuperTruss Hitch Extension

The Torklift SuperTruss Hitch Extension is a product designed to work alongside the SUPER HITCH® or SUPER HITCH® Magnum to allow for the safe towing of trailers and campers. It is available in eight lengths ranging from 21" to 60", with the longest extension rated to tow up to 12,000 lbs. and 1,200 lbs. tongue weight. The shorter 21" extension can handle a greater load, with a rating of up to 14,000 lbs. and 1,400 lbs. tongue weight.

The SuperTruss is designed for campers up to 12 feet in length and is backed by a Legendary Lifetime Warranty. It is manufactured in the USA and includes hardened reinforced hitch pin locations and patented, lateral-support safety chains. An optional SkidWheel is also available.

The SuperTruss is a popular choice for those with truck campers who wish to tow additional trailers. One user review states that they tow a 24-foot trailer with a classic car behind a Lance 1010 slide-in camper using the SuperTruss with "great results". Another user highlights the security of the system, stating that the SuperTruss is the "only way to safely and securely tow behind a truck camper with an overhang beyond the bed of the truck".

It is important to note that the SuperTruss Hitch Extension requires the use of a Torklift hitch, and it is recommended to check the weight ratings of all towing components to ensure safe operation.

Weight distribution systems

A weight distribution system (WDS) is designed to create a level, stable ride when you tow a trailer. It helps to keep your towing setup level and ensures that the weight of your trailer doesn't cause undue stress on your vehicle.

When you tow a trailer with a standard, rear-mounted hitch, the trailer's tongue weight is transferred to the rear axle of your vehicle. This can weigh down your vehicle's back end and cause the front end to point upward, especially with vehicles that have suspension designed for everyday comfort.

A WDS uses spring bars to combat these issues. They apply leverage to either side of your setup, which transfers the load at the rear of the vehicle to all axles on your tow vehicle and trailer. This even distribution of weight results in a smooth, level ride, as well as the ability to tow at the maximum capacity of your hitch.

WDSs are recommended when:

• Your trailer weight is more than 50% of your vehicle's weight.
• The rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up.
• You experience trailer sway.
• Your tow vehicle's headlights point upward.
• You find it difficult to steer or stop your rig.
• You want to tow at the highest capacity allowed by your trailer hitch.

When choosing a WDS, it's important to select one that matches your trailer's loaded and ready-to-tow tongue weight, as well as the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. This will ensure that your setup remains level and stable.

Tongue weight

A good rule of thumb for an acceptable tongue weight is to keep the weight between 9 to 15% of the gross trailer weight (GTW). For example, if you are towing a 5000-pound trailer, the tongue weight should be approximately 600 pounds.

Improper tongue weight can cause driving hazards and accidents. If the tongue weight is too little (less than 10% of the total trailer weight), the trailer may sway back and forth, a condition known as trailer sway. On the other hand, if the tongue weight is too much (greater than 15%), your vehicle may become less responsive, particularly when turning and braking. It can also cause the back end of the vehicle to sag, negatively impacting vehicle handling, driver visibility, and brake effectiveness.

There are several ways to measure tongue weight:

• Use a Tongue Weight Scale: Place a tongue weight scale under the trailer jack and take a reading. If the jack doesn't fit, use a sturdy pipe placed vertically between the coupler and scale.
• Use a Bathroom Scale: If the tongue weight is expected to be less than 300 pounds, place the tongue or jack directly on the scale. For weights over 300 pounds, use boards and pipes to set up a test. Place a bathroom scale about 2 feet from the trailer tongue and a block or brick about 1 foot from the trailer tongue. Position a pipe vertically under the trailer tongue and lower the trailer jack until the coupler rests on the pipe. Take a reading from the scale and multiply it by 3 to get the tongue weight.
• Use a Vehicle Scale: Weigh your vehicle without the trailer and then weigh it again with the trailer attached, ensuring the trailer wheels don't touch the scale. Subtract the first weight from the second to get the tongue weight.
• Use a Drive-On Scale: Drive the towing vehicle onto the scale and weigh it without the trailer. Then, connect the trailer and weigh the vehicle with the trailer attached, ensuring the trailer wheels don't touch the scale. Subtract the first weight from the second to get the tongue weight.

It is important to note that the use of hitch extenders can affect tongue weight capacity. Extenders under 12 inches long reduce the load capacity by 25%, while extenders over 12 inches reduce it by 50%. Therefore, when using a hitch extender, you must cut the tongue weight capacity in half.

Receiver hitch tube size

The 1-1/4" receiver hitch is typically found on cars and some compact and mid-size SUVs and CUVs. It has a maximum weight capacity of 2,000 to 3,500 lbs, making it suitable for towing lightweight trailers and loads.

The "2" receiver hitch is common on mid-size and full-size SUVs, as well as half-ton pickups. This size can also be found on some older 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks manufactured before 2015. The weight capacity of this class is typically up to 8,000 to 10,000 lbs, depending on whether a weight distribution hitch is used.

The "2-1/2" receiver hitch is typically found on newer 3/4-ton and 1-ton pickup trucks, mainly those manufactured after 2015. This size hitch has a higher weight capacity, accommodating trailers up to 18,500 lbs.

The largest size, the 3" receiver hitch, is quite rare and usually reserved for select heavy-duty Ford Super Duty F350 and F450 1-ton dually trucks manufactured after 2017. This size has an impressive weight capacity of up to 21,000 lbs.

It is important to note that these receiver hitch sizes refer to the inside dimensions of the tube, and it is always recommended to physically measure your receiver with a tape measure to ensure you have the correct size. Additionally, when choosing a hitch extender or hitch adapter, you must ensure that the pin hole diameter of your receiver tube matches that of the extender or adapter.

Hitch extender safety

When using a hitch extender, safety should be a top priority. Here are some essential guidelines to ensure safe use of hitch extenders:

• Weight Capacity: Always abide by the lowest-rated component in your towing system. Know the weight ratings of each component and do not exceed them. Using a hitch extender can reduce the tongue weight capacity or vertical load capacity of your vehicle's receiver hitch. Extenders under 12" reduce load capacity by 25%, while extenders over 12" reduce it by 50%.
• Backing Up: When backing up with any accessory mounted on the rear of your vehicle, take extra care. This is especially important with a hitch extender as it increases the overall length of your vehicle.
• Legal Compliance: Ensure that your use of a hitch extender is legal in your area. Hitch extenders are typically legal when used properly and within the correct specifications for safe operation. Check your local and state laws before towing with a hitch extender.
• Hitch Adapter Alternative: If you only need to change the size of your receiver to fit your towing accessory, consider using a hitch adapter instead of an extender. Hitch adapters change the size of the receiver without increasing the distance between your towing accessory and your vehicle.
• Clearance: When choosing a hitch extender, ensure you have adequate clearance to avoid obstructions during travel. Perform a test fit of your towing accessory and measure the distance from the receiver pin hole to the shank pin hole to determine the required extender length.
• Anti-Rattle Measures: Hitch extenders can create noisy connection points due to flexing and vibrations. To make the ride quieter, add an anti-rattle hitch pin or clamp to tighten the joint and deter noise and shaking.
• Torque and Leverage: Using a hitch extender can increase torque and leverage on your vehicle's frame, potentially leading to cracking or other damage. Consider alternatives such as extending the trailer tongue or using a weight distribution system.
• Safety Measures: When towing, always use safety chains and ensure your trailer's wiring is extended to accommodate the hitch extender. Additionally, consider using a trailer hitch receiver lock for added security.
• Tongue Weight: When using a hitch extender, you must cut the tongue weight capacity in half. This is because the extender creates more leverage on the receiver, similar to a long pry bar.
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): Consider not just the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) but also the GCWR, which takes into account the weight of the vehicle and the trailer. Ensure your vehicle's GCWR is not exceeded.

Frequently asked questions