Using An Adapter On A Front Mounted Hitch To Elevate The Winch

Updated 02/17/2017 | Published 02/16/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 2" or 4" Drop/Rise

(962)

$224.13

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(200)

$284.51

Question:

In a previous question, Mike L stated that, ...a pulling force coming from an upward or downward angle like a winch would could damage the hitch or its attachment points to the vehicle.inch when a customer asked about using the dual receiver attachment with a winch. Im confused. How does this not apply when using a winch cradle/carrier ed into a front end hitch receiver? Wont the same upward or downward angleinch forces still act on this arrangement as well? I previously purchased your Curt 31302 with a capacity of 9000#. Because the receiver sits so low to the ground, I want to elevate the position of the winch, but want to be able to use the front and rear receivers as needed. Suggestions? RM O77-4

asked by: Ben

Expert Reply:

Using an adapter like the Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 4" Drop/Rise # RM-077-4 in your Curt trailer hitch receiver # 31302 is not an issue as long as you are aware of the load limits. The vertical load limit on this hitch is 500 lbs and the tongue weight limit on the adapter is 400 lbs. These are basically the same thing. The issue with using an adapter is that it decreases the capacity of the hitch's tongue weight or in the case of front mounted hitches the vertical load limit by about 50%. So your hitch may have trouble with the load because the adapter will decrease it's load by roughly 1/2. Depending on your application this may be an issue because the angle of pull may put greater force on the hitch's vertical load capacity.

expert reply by: Jason S