Hello,

I’m going to use my 2021 Defender 110 with the tow package to tow my 20 feet long airstream. The max weight of the airstream is 5000lb and the tongue weight is 565 lb

I know the defender has around 8000 lb tow capacity and the max tongue weight 771lb.

Airstream said I need to take off the spare tire to tow it, but I wonder if I can get an extension and tow it without take off my spare tire.

I found an extension hitch with 16” length with 6000lb and 600 tongue weight on Amazon. But not sure the longer length will create any problem.

I also check with my dealer and he said weight distribution hitch is not recommended because the air suspension in the defender will help to calculate and balance the trailer.

May ask if anyone can suggest a hitch extension that I can use in my situation? What is the longest length do the hitch extension I can get and won’t create trouble when towing it?

Any suggestion and recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Tim

 

Hitch extensions are never a good idea as they add a lever arm to where your hitch attaches to the Defender. Given that the "official" LR hitch has a 7.5" spacing from pin to ball, you could potentially extend this to 10" while keeping the torque on your hitch within LR specs (= 771 * 7.5 / 565). However the active dynamic trailer stability will probably be out of whack.
Before you go as far a removing the spare tire, just check the measurements - what hits the spare tire first? We tow a T@B400 and had to exchange the standard front jack for a removable one but that was all that was needed.

 

Had the same problem with the spare to solve on my 1965 Globetrotter 20'. Ended up replacing the original coupler (which I wanted to do anyway) with one from Bulldog that extended the A-frame instead. Worked perfectly to create the clearance between the spare and tongue jack. Dry weight on the Airstream is 2,900lbs and the Defender towed it like there was nothing there. I also installed the Tuson electronic sway control which makes for a very stable towing experience.

 

I just picked up one of these to tow my 6000lb enclosed car trailer. It measures out at 12.5” or 11” (depending on pin hole) from pin to hitch ball.

I haven’t used it yet, so I can’t comment on how it impacts the towing experience.

https://www.bulletproofhitches.com/c...rop-rise-hitch

 

have you tried using this Jack? I don’t need to remove my tire with this.

The Ultimate Trailer Jack - 2000lbs, Topwind, 28" Lift https://a.co/d/6vBA4fJ

 

I use the Ultimate Jack too, just slightly modified: I removed the "stop" so the jack could be completely removed and I changed out the winding handle for a 3/4" nut so I can operate the jack with my cordless drill


With the jack removed I can open the back door fully if I stop in the middle of a sharp left hand turn

 

Are use a hitch extension with no problems.

 

That hitch gives me the heebie-jeebies.

Better options exist.

 

This is an absolute thrill to find out I’m not the only Defender owner towing a vintage trailer. I tow a ‘66 Airstream Safari. 22 foot, 3500 lb dry weight and 350 lb on the ball.


I initially pulled with my spare up top but on our first outing the old original Marvel coupler decided to give up the ghost. So we replaced this:


with this:


We gained four inches of tongue length plus set the jack hole back one inch. Works great with the spare mounted. I can nearly get to a full 90 degree jackknife. Still limited in rear hatch opening though so you have to plan your storage accordingly.

 

dont' modify your trailer, I use 12" mount but your built-in hitch guidance system will be useless. No problems, no sway, nothing.
Class 3 Ball Mount (2" Shank, 7,500 lbs., 2" Drop, 12-1/4" Long) SKU #45260 for $29.92 by CURT Manufacturing (curtmfg.com)