Accessories

Best Hitch Box Extension Review

best hitch box extension

If you do a lot of camping and love to spend time with your family on the open road, you probably have a truck/SUV and a trailer. Well, if that’s the case, a hitch box extension might very well be in order. It’s an exterior accessory that (like the name suggests) extends your towing capabilities. First of all, it makes it possible to haul a trailer even if your Jeep has a spare tire in the back.

On top of that, the best hitch box extension increases the towing capacity, which is also great news. In this post, you’ll find three market-leading extensions from big, well-known brands. First, check out the comparison table to learn about the best features and the most important specs. Next, we’ll move on to the reviews to talk about each product in more detail.

Best Hitch Box Extension Review

1. CURT 45791 Trailer Hitch Extension

CURT 45791 8-Inch Long Trailer Hitch Extension for 2-Inch Receiver

We start the list with a low-budget extender. If you’re looking for an affordable, yet capable option, Curt might have exactly what you need. Plus, it is well-protected against whatever nature has in stores for you. I’m talking about UV rays, dirt, and, of course, water. And, thanks to clever engineering, this trailer hitch extension takes very little time or effort to install.

Just insert the shank into the receiver, and that’s pretty much it! However, I also want to mention that 45791 might not be compatible with some typical receivers. Make sure to check that before committing. Another minor con: Curt’s extension tends to wobble and rattle a bit, especially when you’re driving on rough terrain. That’s nothing duct tape can’t fix, though.

Product Rating
Durability
4.9/ 5
Easy to Install
5/ 5
Value for Money
5/ 5
Result
5
Pros & Cons
Takes less than a minute to install
Water-, dirt-, and sun-proof
One of the most affordable deals
Tends to wobble a bit on rough terrain

Recommendations
Andy Shane
Andy Shane
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The biggest selling point of this hitch extension is, of course, the affordable price-tag. When you look at the market average, it is, indeed, fairly-priced. In addition, it is crafted from high-strength steel and isn’t “afraid” of dirt, mud, rain, or the sun. But, it may vibrate on less-than-ideal trails.

2. Reese Towpower 11004 Hitch Box Extension

Reese Towpower 11004 18 Inch Hitch Box Extension

Compared to the other two extensions that I’m reviewing today, the one by Reese is like the golden middle. While it’s not as cheap as Curt, the price-tag is reasonable. And, it is engineered from top-quality materials, which brings it closer to Hitowmfg (we’ll talk more about it in a minute). Towpower is a 100% US-made product, by the way. Therefore, if you’re feeling patriotic and want an American product, here’s a good pick for you.

Another standout feature: this hitch box extension unit doesn’t sway or rattle. This is true both for the smooth highways and rough-tough off-roading paths. My only complaint – its anti-corrosion protection leaves a lot to be desired. That means it might get rusty over time unless you’re careful and take good care of it. That won’t happen in a month or even a year – so, Reese still has a bargain on its hands with this one.

Product Rating
Durability
4.9/ 5
Easy to Install
5/ 5
Value for Money
4.8/ 5
Result
4.9
Pros & Cons
Doesn’t rattle of sway both on and off the road
Quality engineering – will serve you for years
A 100% US-made product
Doesn’t have proper anti-rust protection

Recommendations
Andy Shane
Andy Shane
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Designed and produced in the states, durable, reliable, and sway-free – that’s the best way to describe this hitch box extension. It was specifically made to haul trailers in the severe American climate. Too bad the anti-rust protection is average at best. Other than that, it’s a safe bet.

3. HITOWMFG Dual Receiver Extender

HITOWMFG Dual Receiver Extender Trailer Towing Hitch Extension

As you might’ve guessed from the name, this isn’t a regular trail extension. Instead, we’re dealing with a dual receiver: it’s equally good at towing trailers and transporting all kinds of accessories. Those include cargo trays, bike racks – stuff like that. You’ll need to use the top receiver for that; the lower one is for heavy-duty hauling. This flexibility comes at a steep price, however.

But, if you need a versatile extender, Hitowmfg will be money well-spent. Besides, it features top-quality black powder coating for ultimate protection against rust/corrosion. Moreover, it boasts enhanced towing capacity. With the Hitowmfg hitch extension, you’ll get 5K/500 pounds of gross/tongue capacity. One last thing: the engineers implemented robotic welding for superior-strength heavy-duty steel construction.

Product Rating
Durability
4.9/ 5
Easy to Install
4.8/ 5
Value for Money
5/ 5
Result
4.9
Pros & Cons
Premium-grade black powder coating
Dual performance: can carry racks, trays, as well as trailers
Market-leading towing capacity
A bit on the expensive side

best hitch box extension

Recommendations
Andy Shane
Andy Shane
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Everything about this dual extender is perfect, except for the expensive price-tag. For that, Hitowmfg provides impressive towing capacity, premium powder coating, and dual performance. This extender can be used for towing trailers and carrying around bike racks. So, the cost is actually fair, considering all the pros.

Best Hitch Box Extension (Updated October, 2024)

Product Product Information View on Amazon
Editor’s Choice

CURT 45791 8-Inch Long Trailer Hitch Extension for 2-Inch Receiver

1) CURT 45791 8-Inch Long Trailer Hitch Extension

  • Best Features:
    – Easy, quick installation (even for a novice)
    – Protected against dirt, water, and UV rays
    – A low-budget offer with good value
  • Extension Bar Size: 2”
  • Length Extending: 8”
  • Tongue Weight: 350 lbs
  • Towing Weight: 3500 lbs

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Reese Towpower 11004 18 Inch Hitch Box Extension

2) Reese Towpower 11004 18-Inch Long Hitch Box Extension

  • Best Features:
    – No rattling, vibration, of sway when on the road
    – Heavy-duty and sturdy – built to last
    – Designed and crafted in the States
  • Extension Bar Size: 2”
  • Length Extending: 11”
  • Tongue Weight: 400 lbs
  • Towing Weight: 4000 lbs

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HITOWMFG Dual Receiver Extender Trailer Towing Hitch Extension

3) HITOWMFG Dual Receiver Extender

  • Best Features:
    – Market-leading protection against rust and corrosion
    – Universal: can tow bike racks and trailers
    – Impressive capacity – easily handles full-size trailers and boats
  • Extension Bar Size: 2”
  • Length Extending: 9.5”
  • Tongue Weight: 500 lbs
  • Towing Weight: 5000 lbs

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Conclusion

And that’s everything I wanted to share with you about the best hitch box extensions for your pickup/SUV. For a regular driver that prefers to stay at home during the weekend or go to a park with the kids, this accessory will probably be a waste of money. On the other hand, for folks that can’t imagine their lives without camping and enjoying the outskirts, it will, most definitely, be a good investment.

Today, we checked out three hitch box extensions. They each have their pros and cons. If you’re on a tight budget, Curt might have a good offer for you. With it, you’ll also get ease of use and overwhelming protection. Hitowmfg, in contrast, is the most expensive pick, but it’s a dual receiver. As for Reese, it offers a 100% US-made extender and top-notch engineering.

About the author

Andy Shane

My name is Andy Shane, and I like to spend my free time conquering the most difficult off-road tracks. Off-road vehicles fascinate me more than any other vehicles types. Surely, there are not so many people who would share the passion for getting out of all possible muds and wilderness in their Jeeps, but those who do will find lots of interesting information in my blog.

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