Can Two Hitch Extenders Be Used Together

Published 02/19/2015

Products Featured in This Question

CR Brophy Hitch Extender for 1-1/4" Hitch Receivers - 5-3/4" Long

(112)

$84.02

Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver with 5" Rise

(562)

$96.33

Question:

Hello, I purchased a Hitch Extender For 1-1/4inch Trailer Hitch Receiver 6, Brophy, Code:hes6 and Hitch Adapter 1-1/4inch to 2inch Trailer Hitch Receiver with 5inch Rise, Brophy, Code: HT5R from etrailer to carry my Roll-On Hitch Rack 33lbs and StreetStrider Bike 51.2lb. Upon preparing to mount the rack and bike, I notice the following warning on the Hitch Adapter 1-1/4inch to 2inch Trailer Hitch Receiver with 5inch Rise, Brophy, Code: HT5R: “Do not use this unit for towing Use only with bike racks and cargo carriers Bo NOT use with any hitch extenders or ball mounts. 300lb Max tongue capacity #HT5R” I have secured the Hitch Extender and Hitch Adapter with a 5/8 inch bolt with flat and lock washers and nut. Is the 84.2 lbs. Roll-On Hitch Rack 3lbs + StreetStriders Bike 51.2lb, an acceptable cargo weight for this Hitch Extender and Hitch Adapter connection? Thanks,

asked by: Calvin H

Expert Reply:

The thing about hitch extenders is that with each one you use you end up cutting the hitch's capacity in half. Since you would be using two of them you would end up cutting the capacity by 75 percent.

When you combine that with the fact that the # HT5R specifically states that you shouldn't use it with any other hitch extenders I can not recommend you use this setup.

If you can get by with just using the # HT5R or just the # hes6 and would still have the needed capacity after being reduced by 50 percent this would be your best option.

expert reply by: Jameson C