Tow receiver too close to vehicle?

[PeterSK]

The receiver is definitely further inset than on my previous cars (Tesla S, X and Y). I couldn't fit my Thule 4-bike carrier onto it because it was hitting some of the car trim that was in the way, so I got a 4" extender. I rarely need to tow anything, but fortunately I think my hitch has a long enough shank it should work as-is. I wouldn't use it with the extender.

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[babock]

Never use an extender or a longer draw bar unless your tongue weigh is less than the derating of using either of those. Every inch of a longer bar reduces weight carrying a lot!

 

[Leeda]

I use the hitch extender from harbor freight, if I recall about 15 bucks. Works great.

Does this look too close to the vehicle? Will be towing a T@b400 with it. I don't think I need a hitch extender but wondering if this is ok or I need to try and find one with a longer shank. Thanks.

. Works great.

 

[Tenderfoot]

Ok I'm gonna drive it over to the camper this wknd and hitch it up and may post again cuz I'm paranoid lol. I read somewhere if too close could hit your vehicle if on a tight turn. Need to check the height too I guess. This is the one I use on the Ranger which sits up higher (although she was in kneel mode when I took this pic). Thank you!

I would definitely buy a longer hitch. I had the same experience with the T@b 400. The problem is the diamond plated storage tubs on the front of the T@b (if you have the newer one where the tubs are standard) - it will make backing up almost impossible without the tubs hitting your tailgate with just a moderate turn(speaking from first hand experience). My advice would be to buy a longer one - I did and makes a difference.

 

[CharonPDX]

I have a longer adjustable-height-ball-hitch for my T@B 400. But that's mostly because that's what I had for my prior trailer. I've used a "three ball" that's about the same distance away from the bumper in a pinch, and it worked fine. The "flange" on the front of the trailer coupler did get close to the bumper, but it didn't rub (when I was lined up right.)

 

[Singletracker]

So, for an R1T QM Adventure series, what would be the most likely length and drop one should look for in a hitch? This would not be for towing any huge trailer or mounting any sort of rack. Just occasionally towing a utility trailer.

 

[babock]

So, for an R1T QM Adventure series, what would be the most likely length and drop one should look for in a hitch? This would not be for towing any huge trailer or mounting any sort of rack. Just occasionally towing a utility trailer.

You need to know the hitch height of the trailer you will be towing. They vary too much to have an absolute answer for ball height.

 

[TractorJackie]

Check your hitch for a second set of cotter pin holes farther from the ball. I found that on my bike rack, which I thought was too close to the car. The other set of cotter pin holes gave the rack more space away from the bumper. Like the one in this photo.

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