Using a 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Adapter Reduces Tongue Weight Capacity on a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer

Updated 06/21/2010 | Published 06/18/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(136)

$234.53

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2620)

$12.45

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1358)

$12.80

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 6,000 lbs

(27)

$48.27

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(27)

$261.75

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3838)

$30.91

Question:

2002 Mercury Mountaineer with a factory 1 1/4 hitch. Can a I safety place an extension adapter to convert to 2 inch and tow a car dolly with a vehicle of approxiately 3000 pounds? Rear wheels of towed vehicle will be rolling. Tongue capacity of 2 is 6000 lbs.

asked by: Russell T

Expert Reply:

The use of any adapter or extension will reduce the tongue weight capacity of your 2002 Mercury Mountaineer by 50 percent. In this situation, you have to go with the lowest capacity, in this case it is the trailer hitch with the reduced tongue weight. Even if the adapter is rated for 6,000 pounds, you will only be able to tow as much as your hitch and vehicle will allow.

To overcome this problem, I recommend installing a larger capacity hitch like the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 75132. This is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch receiver opening. It is rated for 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 500 pounds tongue weight capacity. I have included a link to the installation details below.

This hitch will install beneath the factory hitch so you will not have to remove the factory hitch. Then, to tow the dolly, you will need the recommended Ball Mount, # C45010 with a hitch pin # PC3, and the proper diameter hitch ball. Use # 19260 for a 1-7/8 inch diameter, # 63845 for a 2 inch diameter, or # 63853 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter.