Why Class II Items Do Not Fit in Class I Receivers and Extenders Reduce Tongue Weight Capacity

Updated 05/04/2010 | Published 05/02/2010

Question:

Why cant I use this adapter with a Class I hitch as long as I dont exceed the 200 Lb. tongue weight 1/2 of that for a Class I adapter? It seems like it will fit, and it should be a little heavier duty for extra margin of safety?

asked by: Andrew

Expert Reply:

The Hitch Adapter 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver (Class II Only), item # 80303, will not slide into a Class I receiver far enough for the hitch pin hole to line up with the hitch pin hole in the Class I hitch. The Class I hitch is designed with a stop so that Class II accessories, that could potentially overload the hitch or vehicle capacity, cannot be used.

An adapter that is designed so that it extends the items added to the receiver farther away from the hitch , like a ball mount, bike rack or cargo carrier, increases the forces applied to the hitch. When towing the tongue weight capacity of the lowest rated item is reduced by 50 percent to account for the additional forces applied.

expert reply by: Robert G