Tow hitch set ups

The rating provided by Ford is at the tongue/hitch, but the formula you use to calculate it is generally based off of the axles... because... well... physics says so.

Force on rear axle is calculated as follows:

r = T * (w + h)/w

• T = tongue weight
• w = wheelbase
• h = length between rear axle and hitch (overhang, basically)

So, for example, Ford recommends the tongue weight doesn't exceed 10% of the max trailer GVWR. In this case, with a 3400 lbs GVWR trailer, it would be 340 lbs. Using that, we can get the force/weight exerted on the rear axle by that trailer. Assuming you have a 4-door Bronco...

• T = 340 lbs
• w = 2950 mm
• h = 833 mm (approx)

r = 340 * (2950 + 833)/2950
r = 436 lbs

The rear axle sees a 436lbs load with a 3400lbs trailer and a 10% tongue weight.

Now that we know the load, we can calculate the maximum tongue weight with a 12" extension:

T = r * w/(w+h+e)

• r = 436 lbs
• w = 2950 mm
• h = 833 mm
• e = 12 inch. = 305 mm

T = 436 * 2950/(2950 + 833 + 305)
T = 315 lbs

So your new trailer can have a maximum tongue weight of approx 315 lbs. If you stick with the recommended 10%, your maximum trailer GVWR becomes 3150 lbs.

RagnarKon

The rating provided by Ford is at the tongue/hitch, but the formula you use to calculate it is generally based off of the axles... because... well... physics says so.

Force on rear axle is calculated as follows:

r = T * (w + h)/w

• T = tongue weight
• w = wheelbase
• h = length between rear axle and hitch (overhang, basically)

So, for example, Ford recommends the tongue weight doesn't exceed 10% of the max trailer GVWR. In this case, with a 3400 lbs GVWR trailer, it would be 340 lbs. Using that, we can get the force/weight exerted on the rear axle by that trailer. Assuming you have a 4-door Bronco...

• T = 340 lbs
• w = 2950 mm
• h = 833 mm (approx)

r = 340 * (2950 + 833)/2950
r = 436 lbs

The rear axle sees a 436lbs load with a 3400lbs trailer and a 10% tongue weight.

Now that we know the load, we can calculate the maximum tongue weight with a 12" extension:

T = r * w/(w+h+e)

• r = 436 lbs
• w = 2950 mm
• h = 833 mm
• e = 12 inch. = 305 mm

T = 436 * 2950/(2950 + 833 + 305)
T = 315 lbs

So your new trailer can have a maximum tongue weight of approx 315 lbs. If you stick with the recommended 10%, your maximum trailer GVWR becomes 3150 lbs.

Thanks for the assistance. Let me study this a bit and if I need clarity I'll reach out. Appreciate the quick response.

What happened to A+B=C? I never understood that and now you have added T, R, W, & H. Sure glad I''m not in school anymore! :0). What is this mm stuff as well. This is AMERICA folks. Besides the only mm I do is peanut!!

🤖 AI: search: Does a hitch extender reduce towing capacity?

As a general rule, the use of extenders (and hitch adapters) can reduce the tongue weight capacity / vertical load capacity of your vehicle's receiver hitch. Extenders under 12” long reduce load capacity by 25%, and extenders over 12” reduce load capacity by 50%.

extra toasty

Again. Take any class hitch and add 12” of extension will make a very drastic effect on your tongue weight limits.

As this question involves math and physics the general rule referenced would be a very overly cautious approach which your AI question returned. Based on the formula that was earlier provided in this instance we are looking at an approximate 7-8 percent reduction in tongue weight.

It would be interesting if you took the G6 4 door (Wildtrak) specs -wheelbase, vehicle weight, axle sizes etc. and have your AI engine do a more detailed calculation.

Agagnod

As this question involves math and physics the general rule referenced would be a very overly cautious approach which your AI question returned. Based on the formula that was earlier provided in this instance we are looking at an approximate 7-8 percent reduction in tongue weight.

It would be interesting if you took the G6 4 door (Wildtrak) specs -wheelbase, vehicle weight, axle sizes etc. and have your AI engine do a more detailed calculation.

You asked because you didn’t know. The internet is full of expert trailering resources. This really isn’t rocket science. Go to Curt or any other reputable trailer company. They are going to tell you the same general devaluation of tongue weight using hitch extensions. Or you can believe one guy on the internet…

The 25% for a <=12" extension, and 50% for >12" extension that @extra toasty 's AI posted is a good, safe estimate for most pickup trucks on the road, which... frankly... is usually what people tow with. Obviously, the dimensions on pickups are a little different than the dimensions of a Bronco, so the math works out a little differently. But yeah... a 12" extension on... say... an F-150 lowers tow rating by about 15%-19% (depending on exactly which trim/config you're looking at), so 25% is definitely in that ballpark.

Also should note that none of the math or estimates takes into account the impact of suspension, the strength of the hitch receiver, the strength of the frame, etc. etc. It's basically taking the vehicle and dumbing it down to a simple levers physics problem. Which is all we can really do because Ford doesn't give us all of detailed specifications to solve the "real" problem. I would assume there is a ton of simulations and real-world testing that goes into tow ratings that we know nothing about.

extra toasty

You asked because you didn’t know. The internet is full of expert trailering resources. This really isn’t rocket science. Go to Curt or any other reputable trailer company. They are going to tell you the same general devaluation of tongue weight using hitch extensions. Or you can believe one guy on the internet…

I asked hoping I would get some solid feedback. I appreciate your willingness to collaborate with me on this topic. I desire to know as closely as possible what my constraints are as I need to maximize, without jeopardizing, my towing capacity. I know that the Bronci is not designed as a 'true' towing vehicle and if I need more, then I should buy something else. In the end, it is up to me to make any decisions. Gathering as much input to that end is extremely important. So again, thanks for your input to the discussion and thanks to all others as well. I hope more inputs can be provided on this topic. I have a month or so before I need to pull the trigger.

Agagnod

I asked hoping I would get some solid feedback. I appreciate your willingness to collaborate with me on this topic. I desire to know as closely as possible what my constraints are as I need to maximize, without jeopardizing, my towing capacity. I know that the Bronci is not designed as a 'true' towing vehicle and if I need more, then I should buy something else. In the end, it is up to me to make any decisions. Gathering as much input to that end is extremely important. So again, thanks for your input to the discussion and thanks to all others as well. I hope more inputs can be provided on this topic. I have a month or so before I need to pull the trigger.

Well said.
Every vehicle is different as most every Bronco. Wheel bases, suspensions, lifts, engines, and tires.
I have a two door 2.7 Sasquatch and I can attest it’s not the best tow vehicle (I know some will disagree). Pulled my single axle boat around as a bit of an experiment. Total weight was about at the 3500 pound rated limit. Yah it pulled it fine but definitely didn’t feel as comfortable or composed as my Honda Ridgeline. A totally different experience.
I guess if towing is a big priority for you and it sounds like it is, I would find an exact vehicle and do a test run with a very similar trailer (easier said than done).
Really hard to equate other people’s experiences and or opinions to your needs.
Best of luck to you.

extra toasty

Well said.
Every vehicle is different as most every Bronco. Wheel bases, suspensions, lifts, engines, and tires.
I have a two door 2.7 Sasquatch and I can attest it’s not the best tow vehicle (I know some will disagree). Pulled my single axle boat around as a bit of an experiment. Total weight was about at the 3500 pound rated limit. Yah it pulled it fine but definitely didn’t feel as comfortable or composed as my Honda Ridgeline. A totally different experience.
I guess if towing is a big priority for you and it sounds like it is, I would find an exact vehicle and do a test run with a very similar trailer (easier said than done).
Really hard to equate other people’s experiences and or opinions to your needs.
Best of luck to you.

Thank you for your comments/feedback.