Effect of Using Brophy Hitch Adapter HTAD on 2009 Nissan Versa for Bike and Cargo Hitch Carriers  

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Expert Reply:

The Brophy 1-1/4 to 2-Inch Trailer Hitch Adapter # HTAD fits any 1-1/4-inch hitch and converts that receiver opening to the 2-inch size used for many hitch-mount accessory items, items like bike racks such as the Pro Series # 63153.

Do please note though that use of any adapter like this causes you to lose half of the hitch's rated capacity. This loss of hitch weight capacity occurs because the actual weight load is being moved further away from the hitch where it exerts more leverage on the hitch tube.

In the case of your 2009 Nissan Versa only a light-duty 1-1/4-inch Class I hitch is available; that being the Curt hitch # C11348. This hitch has the standard Class I capacity of 200-lbs tongue weight. Use of the Brophy adapter means the hitch capacity drops to 100-lbs. So if you use a bike carrier in the adapter you would need to keep the total weight of the bike racks and bikes to 100-lbs. In your hitch you can transport only 2 bikes.

I also recommend using a support strap such as # 18050 to help stabilize the rack; this strap is required if you have the Curt hitch but it is still a good idea for any hitch used with an adapter.

The better and safer way to go is to select accessory items that directly fit your Class I hitch, without need for the capacity-reducing adapter. You are still limited to a 2-bike rack but if you use one like Swagman # S63360 you do not need the adapter and you do not lose hitch capacity. For a Class I-compatible cargo carrier you can use # 63155.

expert reply by: Adam R

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