Can 2016 Ford Transit Connect Can Support Scooter Lift

Updated 11/26/2018 | Published 11/22/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(242)

$215.13

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(93)

$65.82

Question:

My lift weighs 150 lbs and my scooter weighs 150 lbs. The lift loaded with the scooter extends out from the receiver 40 inches. My concern is whether the up and down motion that gets transferred to the hitch when traveling our “great” highways could cause this hitch to fracture. I’d hate to see my lift and scooter laying on the road behind me one day. Should I be concerned ?

asked by: Tom M

Expert Reply:

The Curt Class III Trailer Hitch # C13167 that you are looking at features a tongue weight capacity of 525 pounds. With that in mind the hitch itself is up to the task of carrying your lift that will weigh around 300 pounds when loaded. It has been tested and rated to safely support this tongue weight with plenty of safety margin as well. Hitch manufacturers do take into account the extra weight that bouncing down the highway puts onto their hitches and are rated accordingly.

The other factor you will need to look at though is the tongue weight capacity of your Ford Transit Connect. Since you are always limited by your weakest component you will need to follow whichever capacity is lower, your vehicle's or the hitch's.

I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2016 Ford Transit Connect and while it does not specify a tongue weight limit it does list a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Typically a vehicle's tongue weight capacity will be 10 percent of its towing limit which would put this number at 200 pounds for your Transit. I do recommend verifying this information in your copy of the manual or by visiting your local Ford dealer with your VIN.

If this information is correct then the 300 pound loaded weight of your lift will exceed the vehicle's capacity. In this case your best option will be to actually tow your scooter with a light trailer. If you decide to do this you will need to add a wiring harness with the Tekonsha T-One # 118613. This will provide you with a 4-Way connector to connect with and power a trailer's basic signal lights.

To pull a trailer you will also need a ball mount and hitch ball. I have attached a great article that explains how to choose the best one for your setup along with a link that will take you to our available selections. I have also included a couple of articles on trailer towing that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R