Can a Trailer Hitch Adapter Be Used to Carry 2 inch Cargo Carrier oa a 2005 Mercury Mountaineer

Expert Reply:

There are two good recommendations for you but I would not recommend using a hitch adapter to carry a 2 inch shank cargo carrier in a 1-1/4 inch hitch. The reason is that the adapter reduces the hitch tongue weight capacity by 50 percent, and you would need to be very careful not to overload the hitch and vehicle frame, causing damage. The reduction in capacity is due to the extra torque that is applied when placing the weight farther away from the rear of the vehicle.

The first recommendation would be to use the Pro Series Hitch Cargo Carrier, item # 63155, in the Class II hitch on your Mountaineer. This carrier has a 20 x 48 inch platform and capacity of 300 lbs.

The second recommendation, if you need a cargo carrier with a larger platform, would be to install a Class III, 2 inch hitch, like the Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch, item # 87417, on your Mountaineer. You would then be able to use the # 63153 carrier for up to 500 lbs total weight, carrier and items loaded on it. This hitch is designed to fit on your vehicle beneath the OEM hitch, see photo at right.

expert reply by: Bob G