Hitch Extender

Golfinscorp · 04-24-2011, 04:56 PM

Hi All,
I have been towing a 3100# toad 4 down behind my 2001 Journey DL 330 HP Cat diesel (I believe the coach hitch is rated at 5000# and 500# tongue weight) and have been very happy with the setup. I have a toad braking system also.
I want to add a bike rack to my hitch to carry two regular bikes which I am sure weigh way less than 100# and have a Haul Master 99591 Hitch Extender Dual Hitch Extender & Other Dual Hitch Receivers - Harbor Freight Tools 4000# rated and 400# tongue weight. Any thoughts on this setup would be appreciated.
Thanks and Happy Easter
John

TXiceman · 04-24-2011, 05:22 PM

I personally would not trust my dinghy to a $40.00 piece of metal from China.

Ken

MegaRoadie · 04-24-2011, 05:32 PM

Used 21 inch long Hitch Extender to tow my utility storage trailer (5' x 7') and boat, often both, behind my Lance and C/K 3500 for 7 years without an issue. Common sense, safety chains, appropriate loading all go a long way in making it safe.

ernieh · 04-24-2011, 05:37 PM

Hitch extender + tow bar = a lot of potentially over stressed parts.

Read about the proper installation of your tow bar and you will probably agree.

Chuck 1935 · 04-24-2011, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

I personally would not trust my dinghy to a $40.00 piece of metal from China.

Ken

I agree about the Chinese made junk. For me American made from a known manufacturer of trailer towing products would be best.
Why dont you hang the bikes on the back of the Toad. Now you wont have that extra long (leverage) hitch to wonder about.

RickO · 04-24-2011, 05:43 PM

I needed to raise my hitch to align properly with my toad and used a Blue Ox 6" rise extender and mounted the bike rack to that. The toad's a Ford Explorer. Two years and 30,000 miles and so far so good.

Rick

mikron · 04-24-2011, 05:49 PM

The Hitching Post in our county said when you extend the ball over 8" from the receiver you add to the hitch weight.

Jerry J · 04-24-2011, 06:16 PM

Many choices. I would think the bikes during a rainy drive would collect grit behind the motorhome. You could carry bikes on top or behind the toad, I guess, not knowing what kind of toad or bikes you have. We carry our mountain bikes behind the rear seat in our Honda CRV and can still see out the rear of the Honda when driving it. Folding Montague Paratrooper and Dahon Matrix folding mountain bikes with 26' wheels. Many different choices to decide from.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golfinscorp

Hi All,
I have been towing a 3100# toad 4 down behind my 2001 Journey DL 330 HP Cat diesel (I believe the coach hitch is rated at 5000# and 500# tongue weight) and have been very happy with the setup. I have a toad braking system also.
I want to add a bike rack to my hitch to carry two regular bikes which I am sure weigh way less than 100# and have a Haul Master 99591 Hitch Extender Dual Hitch Extender & Other Dual Hitch Receivers - Harbor Freight Tools 4000# rated and 400# tongue weight. Any thoughts on this setup would be appreciated.
Thanks and Happy Easter
John

TXiceman · 04-24-2011, 06:32 PM

At the cost of my bikes, they do not ride outside.

Ken

Grimesy · 04-24-2011, 07:01 PM

I would contact Roadmaster first. WWW.Roadmasterinc.com.

Don, WIT 70041

DAN L · 04-25-2011, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golfinscorp

Hi All,
I have been towing a 3100# toad 4 down behind my 2001 Journey DL 330 HP Cat diesel (I believe the coach hitch is rated at 5000# and 500# tongue weight) and have been very happy with the setup. I have a toad braking system also.
I want to add a bike rack to my hitch to carry two regular bikes which I am sure weigh way less than 100# and have a Haul Master 99591 Hitch Extender Dual Hitch Extender & Other Dual Hitch Receivers - Harbor Freight Tools 4000# rated and 400# tongue weight. Any thoughts on this setup would be appreciated.
Thanks and Happy Easter
John

i am using the same harbor freight 4k# hitch extender to dolly tow my nissan altima and mount 2 mongoose electric bicycles, 75# each without batteries with good results. i use a swagman bike rack from camping world. it is very stable.

i use 2 roadmaster 049-1 hitch immobilizers but do not recommend them.

i mounted them upside down and needed to grind them to make them fit. i don't like the weight of the hitch ball riding on the tensioner bolt as this tensioner is designed. then the provided tensioner bolts bent, even with no weight on them!.

i bought grade 8 bolts and they have not bent.
instead, i recommend the blue ox immobilizer bx88224 or something similar to take the wiggle out.

you gotta take the wiggle out with something.

Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories

Blue Ox Drop Receivers

Swagmanbikeracks.com :: Hitch Mount :: 2 Bike Racks-Hitch Mounted :: Swagman XC 2 Bike Rack 64650 **150.00**

J&SW · 04-25-2011, 11:07 AM

I would be a bit leery about adding another potential breaking point. Even if you have nothing in your toad, it appears you would be close to the weight max for the added hitch. Have you actually weighed the toad? Most manufacturer weight specs are very much below actual wet weights.

We carry our two bikes on a ladder mounted bike rack. Inexpensive, out of the way and easy to put on and off.

wa8yxm · 04-25-2011, 06:08 PM

Be aware that when you EXTEND a hitch you de-rate it for most things.

There are bike racks that will fit over the 2" square "rod" of your tow bar system, this type does not require an extender, dual hitch or any other fancy stuff.

Also, if you do use any kind of extender, So long as your tow bars are level the de-rate is minimal.. But when you turn you put a lot more strain on the bar

If you use a drop/rise hitch adapter, That really derates the bar.. Inspect the brackets where the cross member meets the frame,, inspect them OFTEN.. I found out the hard way.. Thankfully I got out of it for 150 bucks in repairs to the motor home and 75 bucks for a new rear wheel on my bicycle and some labor.

Hipshot · 04-25-2011, 06:18 PM

I plan to clamp or weld a 12" long receiver tube on top of my MH hitch receiver tube for the bike rack. Any thoughts or comments.

goldwingerx2 · 04-25-2011, 06:27 PM

I pull a enclosed trailer using a TrailerToad. The mfg recommends braces from the hitch outside edges to the TrailerToad, this is to take the stress off the receiver when making turns. I would think you would need something like this on an extension. A triangle forms a ridged pulling/backing/turning shape for strength. Good luck.

Golfinscorp · 04-26-2011, 07:59 AM

Thanks everyone, as usual, lots of good input to think on and research. I guess I am considering the hitch solution as the rear of the toad is not an option for me and I have read a few negatives about ladder racks.

Clay L · 04-26-2011, 09:13 AM

I used a 3 bike mount from Swagman made for towing situations that fits over the receiver bar and doesn't require any additions.
They also make a cover for the bikes.

You can see it here .

tderonne · 04-26-2011, 09:57 AM

A drop/rise receiver is recommended by the various tow bar manufacturers to get the bar level. It's the same as an "extender".

That said, I use 6" drop receiver that has an extra tube welded to the top for a bike rack. I have no worries about it.

ernieh · 04-26-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hipshot

I plan to clamp or weld a 12" long receiver tube on top of my MH hitch receiver tube for the bike rack. Any thoughts or comments.

Clamping should work. DON'T WELD ANYTHING TO THE RECEIVER!

Jimmyzw22 · 04-26-2011, 10:58 AM

I have used the same type of receiver extension that added a small motorcycle lift to the top hole. It is american made by me and looks just like the Harbor Freight one. Never had an issue towing a new beetle TDI. Just make sure to always check the welds and make sure there is no cracking paint.