Does any one use a long hitch ball mount or hitch extension when towing? To haul 3 ATVs I need to load 1 in the back of my Ridgeline but I’ll have to leave the tailgate down. So I need to extend due to the trailer jack. My first thought was a hitch extension and then I read it cuts your towing capacity in half. I read on etrailer that a long hitch ball mount is a better option as it retains whatever it’s rated at. Although I don’t really understand that because it seems the longer a bar is from the hitch the more pressure will be applied to it. But I’m wondering if any one has done this and if you’ve had any issues.

Alternatively, 3 ATVs will fit side loaded on my 7 x 12 trailer but getting the 2 on the end would be a pain. The front has a side gate so I’m good there. I’m not about to try to move the Outlander or Sportsman into a sideways position. The 3rd ATV is a Recon so that wouldn’t be a problem. I thought maybe I could set ramps up on the side and drive over the fenders and into the trailer. That wouldn’t be a problem but getting it back out would be difficult due to the sides. Any ideas? Could I drive up the side gate and use some kind of jack to pull the ATV to the back?