Is a 1-1/4 to 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter Recommended for Use with a 2 inch Cargo Carrier

Updated 07/18/2024 | Published 07/08/2011

Products Featured in This Question

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

(20)

$228.51

19x47 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs

(1156)

$207.79

Question:

I have the following carrier from Harbor Freight tools: Description of Haul-Master 92655 Fits your 2 hitch receiver Would you recommend or discourage use of a 1.25 to 2 adapter with this hitch?

asked by: Dale

Expert Reply:

I would discourage the use of an adapter for use of 2 inch accessories in 1-1/4 inch trailer hitch receivers. The reason is that the adapter places the carrier farther away from the rear of the vehicle and hitch, creating additional torque that 1-1/4 inch hitches, especially Class I hitches, are not designed to handle.

For this reason all 1-1/4 to 2 inch hitch adapters decrease the hitch or vehicle tongue weight capacity, whichever is lowest, by 50 percent, making a class one hitch only capable of 100 pounds, or less, tongue weight.

Another problem is that the extension can cause the carrier to drag when navigating into steep drives or through deep dips, which could cause damage to the carrier, contents, hitch or vehicle frame. We have an informative article on hitch adapters for you to review, see link.

For these reasons, I recommend using accessories designed to fit in a Class 1 hitch like the Curt Trailer Hitch, # C11700 that you mentioned. For a cargo carrier we have 3 choices, see link, The one I recommend is the Curt Cargo Carrier 20x48 For 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitches # C18110, because it has a raised shank that creates more clearance at the back of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Robert G

Lee

7/18/2024

Can you use a 1 1/4 inch adapter to 2 inch adapter for a 500 pound curt carrier rear basket

Bud M.

7/18/2024

@Lee When using an Adapter # e93YR the adapter itself is going to have a maximum weight capacity as well as reduce the weight rating of the receiver it sits into by 50%. As most 1-1/4" receivers are rated for either 200 or 350lbs while being able to carry a Cargo Carrier # C18110 you would not be able to carry anywhere near its rated capacity.