Effects of Using Hitch Adapter for Cargo Carrier and Bike Rack

Updated 04/03/2018 | Published 03/31/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Dual Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 8" Extension

(122)

$108.81

20x60 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs

(1158)

$243.77

Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long

(684)

$62.97

Question:

I am trying to find a way to have both a bike rack and a basket on my tow hitch. Could I use a dual hitch adapter? have the basket on the bottom and the Thule Pro XT Tray bike rack on the top. use vertical extenders to rays the Thule and use an extender to push out the tray so I can put a cooler and Honda 2000 Geni. Would that put too much torque on the hitch? Thank you

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

Use of a hitch extender, whether it is a dual receiver adapter like Curt # D-192 or a straight extender like # C45791, will reduce your hitch's rated tongue weight capacity by 50-percent. The loss comes from the actual load being further away from the actual hitch tube; this applies more leverage to the hitch and so means it can handle less weight.

It is usually best to distribute cargo weight among different parts of the vehicle - some on the roof, some on the hitch carrier, etc.

For some vehicles we even offer front-mount hitches too, which can add a lot of cargo options since you could use a cargo carrier like # C18151 either in the front or rear hitch.

Please tell me the year/make/model/version of your vehicle and whether it has a roof rack or not and I will be glad to offer specific recommendations. The linked articles may help in the meantime.

expert reply by: Adam R