Top 7 Best Trailer Hitch Extenders on the Market in 2022 Review

If you are towing and you need some extra room at the rear of your vehicle, a trailer hitch receiver will help. Hitch extenders are generally between eight to sixteen inches long and come in a variety of different lengths and heights.

Happily, these days the choice has never been better. Plus, even the best trailer hitch extenders no longer need to break the bank. To narrow down the choice a little, we’ve picked seven of the best.

So, let’s g through them and find the perfect option for your vehicle and the load you’re carrying…

Top 7 Best Trailer Hitch Extenders to Purchase in 2022 Reviews

1 CURT 45791 8-Inch Trailer Hitch Extension for 2-Inch Receiver – Best Reliable Trailer Hitch Extender

Curt is an all-American company that designs and manufactures a wide range of towing accessories. They have an excellent reputation and are well-known for the quality and reliability of all of their products.

The Curt 45791 trailer hitch extension is compatible with all two-inch hitch receivers and will extend your receiver by eight inches. However, the extension length cannot be adjusted.

The construction?

It’s made from high-strength steel and is rated for towing trailers up to 3,500kg. It has a tongue weight of 350lbs. For the majority of us, that’s undoubtedly more than we’re ever likely to need.

The extension hitch has a powder coat finish that is tough and durable. The coating makes it resistant to corrosion as well as UV light, dirt, and anything else the elements can throw at it.

Installation?

It’s easy to install and takes just a matter of seconds. You simply insert the shank directly into your existing hitch receiver and secure it in place with a hitch pin. Then hitch up your hitch accessory, trailer, or whatever you’re hauling, and you’re done.

It should be noted that a hitch pin is not included. Therefore, this needs to be purchased separately. Although a hitch pin is only a few dollars, the truth is that its omission is a little disappointing. On the positive side, it means that you can take the opportunity to upgrade the hitch pin to a locking one. Something that we think is well worth considering.

2 MaxxHaul 70070 Dual Hitch Extension – 4000lbs – Best Trailer and Accessory Hitch Extender

This is an all-weld super-strong steel hitch receiver. It is suitable for use with all two-inch class three and four hitch receivers. Plus, it has a towing capacity of an impressive 4,000lbs with a tongue weight of 400lbs.

It has dual hitch receivers, but you can only use the bottom receiver for towing. The top receiver is only to be used for accessories. Literature from MaxxHaul is very clear and reminds you of this several times.

What kind of accessories are we talking about?

When you use the top receiver for accessories, you could add a bike or cargo rack. However, if you do, be aware that you may subsequently have to remove it to hitch up your trailer. Every case is different, so you will just have to try and see how you get on.

What about clearance?

The overall length is just over 17 inches, and it extends to give you an extra seven inches. Some hitch extenders are much longer than this, so if you are tight for clearance, you might want to consider looking elsewhere. However, under most conditions, an extra seven inches is usually sufficient.

It’s finished with a high-quality black powder coating. This helps to protect its steel frame from corrosive elements like rain, dirt, salt, and snow.

Finally, it doesn’t come with a hitch-pin, which is always a minor niggle.

3 CURT 45796 18-Inch Long Trailer Hitch Extension for 2-Inch Receiver – Best Class 4 Trailer Hitch Extender for Extra Clearance

This is another well-made and strong all carbon steel hitch receiver extender from Curt. Like the previous extender of theirs we reviewed, you get the assurance of a company that makes high-quality products.

Extra clearance…

The CURT 45796 is suitable for all class three and class four two-inch hitch receivers. It can be extended by a not inconsiderable 18 inches. This makes it one of the best trailer hitch receivers for those of you looking for lots of clearance.

It has a gross load capacity of 3,500lbs and a 350lbs tongue weight. There’s no doubt that there are hitch receivers that can haul heavier loads, but it’s more than enough for most of us.

Suitably durable…

Like most of the best quality trailer hitch extenders, it has a thick black powder coating. This protects it from corrosion and will help to extend its life. If you live in an area with dismal weather and cold winters, this is a must.

For those who have large bumpers, spare wheels, or are just looking for something to add a little bit of extra protection to your vehicle’s rear, the CURT 45796 is an excellent choice. It’s a very reliable and relatively inexpensive option.

Quick as a flash…

Installation is an easy affair and will take just a matter of seconds. Make sure you have a spare hitch receiver pin lying around somewhere first, though, because you don’t get one included.

4 Reese 80306 Class III Hitch Extension – Best Class 3 Trailer Hitch Extender for Extra Clearance

Reese has been around for 70 years and is well-respected when it comes to anything related to towing. They make every kind of towing accessory you can think of. If you need something for towing, then they will have it. And if they haven’t, the probability is that no one will.

Quality build…

The Reese 80306 hitch extension, like all of their products, is well-made, strong, and durable. It’s constructed from high-quality steel and is finished with a thick black powder coating. The finish makes it durable in all weather conditions and helps to extend its life by making it resistant to corrosion.

Who is this for?

This is compatible with a 2-inch hitch receiver and has an 18-inch extension. It can be used for class three hitch receivers, but it should be noted that it isn’t suitable for use with class four hitch receivers.

The maximum gross load capacity is rated at 3,500lbs. Very much a standard and very much all you’re likely to need. Sadly, we can’t find the tongue weight anywhere. We’d reasonably assume it to be ten percent of the gross load capacity, but we can’t state this as fact.

5 Reese 80232 Hidden Hitch Angle-Cut Class III Ball Mount – Best Custom Made Heavy Weight Trailer Hitch

If you need a super-strong hidden hitch, then look no further. This is a class three and class four compatible hitch receiver. It has a whopping 8,000lbs gross weight towing capacity. This makes it suitable for those of you hauling very heavy loads.

It has a one-inch ball hole, and the drop is two inches.

Interesting…

Although in the strictest sense, this isn’t a trailer hitch extension, it does give you about twice the clearance of most standard hitch receivers. The distance from the mount of the ball hole is 16 inches. In a lot of cases, this will be sufficient to do away with the need for a trailer hitch extension.

Hardly surprisingly, given its high weight capacity, this is built tough. It’s made from high-quality steel and has the same kind of durable powder coating to protect against corrosion, as can be found on other quality made hitch mounts and extensions.

But the most important thing to know is…

These are all custom-made according to the make and year of your vehicle. Consequently, you need to take particular care to get all the details correct before placing your order. Because it’s made specifically for your make of vehicle, it does, unfortunately, mean it might not be suitable for a new car you purchase down the line.

The custom-making does add a little extra cost, but, in our opinion, it’s a cost that’s more than justifiable. Additionally, given that you also get a lifetime’s limited warranty, it fair to say that the Reese Class III Ball Mount offers very fair value.

6 Draw-Tite 223.1512 80307 Receiver Extension – Best Budget Trailer Hitch Extender

If you need an inexpensive receiver extension to give yourself a little extra room at the rear of your vehicle, this is potentially a good option. Although it’s affordable, this doesn’t mean that it’s either low in quality or durability. The good news is that it’s made by Reese, which means that you still get the same kind of strength and functionality as some of their more expensive products.

Who can use this?

It’s suitable for all class three hitch receivers and is compatible with two-inch mounts. It will extend your receiver out by a full eight inches. This is sufficient to get around a spare wheel at the back of your vehicle. Consequently, you’ll then have plenty of room to either more easily mount a trailer or to hitch up a storage box or bike rack.

And don’t worry…

It’s made from the same high-quality steel as the rest of their product line. It’s also made with the same quality assurance and attention to detail. Reese is a company you can trust and rely on.

The gross towing capacity is 3,500lbs, and the tongue weight is rated at 350lbs.

You’ll need to buy some pins…

Adding the hitch extension to your receiver is straightforward. Like most hitch receivers, it doesn’t come with hitch pins. So, if you don’t have any spare in the garage, make sure to order a couple when you buy the extender. Happily, they only cost a few dollars, not a deal-breaker by any stretch.

7 HighFree Trailer Hitch Extension Receiver Tube Extenders with Hitch Pin and Clips – Best Value Trailer Hitch Extender

This is the least expensive trailer hitch extender on our list. However, despite the low price, there’s no doubt that it is high on quality and high on features. In our opinion, this is one of the best trailer hitch extenders for budget-conscious shoppers and value seekers in our review.

So, what precisely do you get for not a lot of money?

Firstly, you get a well-made, strong, and sturdy carbon steel extender. It has a heavy-duty all-welded design that is also powder coated for longevity. The powder coating protects it from the corrosive forces of anything the outside elements can throw at it.

Secondly, this is a class three and class four compatible trailer hitch extender. It has an impressive gross towing capacity of 5,000lbs and a tongue weight of 500lbs. This is remarkably higher than most of the competition and all at a fraction of the cost.

What’s the catch?

None, really. It’s suitable for all two-inch hitch receivers and will extend it by seven inches, so only one inch less than the previous budget offering.

Not only are we impressed with its quality and price but also by the fact that a well-made hitch pin and clip are included. This is something that none of the other extenders offer. Some of the better-known companies, please take note.

Best Trailer Hitch Extenders Buying Guide

Weight Capacity

Two types of weight capacity need to be considered. The first of these is the gross towing capacity, and the second is tongue weight capacity.

Let’s quickly take a look at each in turn…

Gross towing weight refers to the total weight of the load you are carrying to include the trailer itself and everything else that is on it or being carried. In most instances, a 3,500lbs gross weight towing limit is more than sufficient. However, for those hauling more cumbersome loads, you can get trailer hitch extenders with a gross weight capacity of as much as 8,000lb.

For those of you with heavily loaded trailers, take another look at the Reese 80232 Hidden Hitch.

Tongue weight…

The tongue weight is just as important as gross weight towing capacity. Tongue weight is the force your static trailer puts on to the hitch ball. Too little weight on the tongue can produce an unstable trailer that’s prone to swing and sway. Too much weight can cause the towing vehicle’s rear tires to be pushed into the ground, causing handling issues.

Generally speaking, the ideal trailer hitch extender will have a tongue weight that is between 10% and 15% of the gross weight towing capacity. Happily, all the trailer hitch extenders in our review (excluding the Reese 80306 Class III Hitch Extension with an unknown tongue weight) fall within this range.

Length

Trailer hitch extenders typically provide between around eight to sixteen inches of extra length. In almost all cases, this should be sufficient to gain access around a spare tire or simply afford you more room.

If you need a longer extender, the Reese 80232 Hidden Hitch is hard to beat. It will give you 16 inches of extension together with an impressive 8,000lbs of maximum towing weight.

Rise and Drop

A rise or drop is used to ensure that your trailer is parallel to the ground. If you run your trailer at an angle, it can cause undue wear to the tires in both the trailer and towing vehicle. Additionally, it can cause serious handling problems.

Tube Size

There are two common tube sizes for hitch receivers, which are two inches and one and a quarter inches. Two-inch hitch receivers are the most common. We have, therefore, focused entirely on trailer hitch extenders compatible with this size. If you need a smaller size, most of the models we have reviewed make smaller options.

He ain’t heavy…

If you regularly tow a trailer, check out our reviews of the Best Trailer Hitch Locks, the Best Kinetic Recovery Rope, and the Best Trailer Tires for our money in 2022!

Truck, ATV, and RV drivers who work their vehicles hard or travel long distances with heavy loads may also want to browse reviews for the Best Truck Tool Box, the Best F150 Bed Covers, the Best Truck Bed Extender, our Best Winch Reviews, the Best Wide Angle Mirrors, the Best ATV Disc, the Best RV GPS, the Best RV Roof Sealants, the Best Jack Stands, the Best Wheel Bearing Grease, and the Best Wheel Locks currently on the market.

Back to the best hitch extenders for trailers…

Which of the Best Trailer Hitch Extenders would we go for?

So, there you have it. We hope our review of the top trailer hitch extenders included one that’s right for you, your vehicle, and trailer.

All of them are well-made, corrosion-resistant, and up to the task they were made for. We would be happy to use any of them to help tow our loads. However, there was one that stood out, and that’s the…

HighFree Trailer Hitch Extension Receiver

It is the least costly on our list, which is always a big plus. However, despite the low price, the quality is in no way compromised because of it. This can be seen in its all-carbon steel, all-welded construction, and its thick anti-corrosive powder coat finish. Additionally, we also like the fact that it’s got a high gross weight towing capacity and even includes a hitch pin.

Happy towing!