Lowering 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver when Using a Motorcycle Rack

Published 11/02/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Adjustable Weight Distribution Shank - 8"

(43)

$113.73

Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 8" Rise/Drop - 10K GTW, 400 lbs TW

(1572)

$215.13

Question:

Id like to lower my receiver by 8inch for when I want to use a motorcycle rack. What product can you suggest? Ive seen 2 parts from Curt that look like they might work...replacement shank and multi-ball adjustable ball mount receiver. Am I on the right track or is there a better solution? Weight would be up to 350lbs not counting any effect from bouncing while driving. Thx.

asked by: Russ

Expert Reply:

First you need to know that the use of an adapter to extend, reduce, raise, or lower the receiver will reduce the tongue weight capacity by 50 percent. So if the motorcycle rack you have is completely supported by the trailer hitch then the combined weight of it and the bike cannot exceed the reduced tongue weight capacity.

So for example if the combined weight of the carrier and bike is 350 pounds then the hitch would have to have a tongue weight capacity of at least 700 pounds. In this scenario I would not use an adapter of any kind and invest in a ramp such as # CE26151PG to make loading the bike easier.

If the carrier you have just holds the front wheel of the bike and leaves its rear wheel on the ground (like a tow dolly) then the reduced tongue weight capacity would not be a factor. For an adapter with an 8 inch drop you can use # RM-048-8. It is rated for 400 pounds tongue weight but if the reduced hitch tongue weight capacity is lower then you have to go by the lower rating.

expert reply by: Michael H