Compatibility of 2-Inch Cargo Carrier with 1-1/4-Inch Class I Trailer Hitch on 2010 Chevy Cobalt

Updated 06/29/2015 | Published 06/26/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(7)

$174.21

17x46 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 500 lbs

(1114)

$123.73

Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(554)

$90.42

Question:

I purchased a trailer hitch for 2010 chevy cobalt from e trailer and it has a 1 1/4 inch receiver and I want to get a 24 x 60 cargo carrier which has a 2 inch hook up. how can I adapt it to fit into my 1 1/4 inch trailer hitch?

asked by: Terry

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your hitch purchase from etrailer.

Your 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with 1-1/4-inch light-duty Class I hitch # C11430 and this has a 200-lb tongue weight (TW) capacity. You do not want to use an adapter for a 2-inch cargo carrier because that adapter will cut your hitch's capacity by 50-percent, which is 100-lbs. This means that if you used an adapter like # HTAD your combined cargo weight plus the weight of your cargo carrier itself could not exceed 100-lbs total. Adapters also tend to allow much more motion from the carrier while you're driving.

A much better option is a carrier intended for your hitch size. The linked page will show you all Class I compatible cargo carriers. Any one of these will directly fit your hitch without need for an adapter, provide plenty of clearance at your bumper and let you keep your hitch's full 200-lb tongue weight capacity so you can safely load more cargo. Keep in mind that the weight of the carrier you choose, let's say the 29-lbs as in the case of the Curt # C18145, must be subtracted from the hitch capacity to give you your actual cargo weight carrying capacity (200 - 29 = 171-lbs for cargo).

expert reply by: Adam R