Receiver issue

[ferrellb]

I just mounted a Nissan hitch receiver on my Frontier. The install wasn't super tough but took me quite a bit longer than the 0.5 hours it said on the package! Here is my issue: the receiver is 5 inches behind the end of the bumper. The bumper is stock and the receiver is a Nissan part too. It is flush vertically and perfect except that the receiver is sunk back under the bumper. Do they make a straight extender (I am sure someone does) and more importantly, does this reduce the strength or weaken the setup? I do not think my old hitch goes out more than 2 inches before it started rising up so it won't work. My trailer needs to be six inches higher than the receiver. I installed a Class III but only tow an 1850# fully loaded trailer. Any ideas?

 

[tysonnathan]

Re: Receiver issue

hmmm... i have seen hitches like this... i like mine to be flush with the bumper or a couple inches recessed.

if it was me, i would get some 2" tubing (very heavy guage) and some 3/4" flat iron and fabricate a hitch with a longer tube. if your not able to do this, you may be able to get a fabricator to make you one. a one piece extended hitch would be stronger than an extension that made the hitch a 2 piece deal...
if you look around, you might be able to find a hitch that is made with a longer tube on it.

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Receiver issue

They do make extensions, but the increase in lenght will cut down on the load carrying capability of the hitch.

 

[ekinnee]

Re: Receiver issue

Not sure about an "extension" but I do know that the local U-Haul carries a long shaft hitch that may work for you. In fact I use one so that the tailgate of the Expedition can still open with the boat hooked up.

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Receiver issue

URL Link to Hidden Hitch

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Receiver issue

It looks like the standard length, from the hole for the pin to the center of the ball hole, is 8". You can buy ball mounts (drawbars) with that length at 12". That sounds like your solution.

http://www.prolineracks.com/drawbar-ballmount.html

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Receiver issue

That's an even cheaper solution. Didn't know you could get a mount that long. [makes a mental note]

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Receiver issue

just get a longer draw bar.

 

[ferrellb]

Re: Receiver issue

Thanks guys. I have found online a Curt ball mount that is long enough, one solid piece and gives me the 4" rise I need.