Why Does a Hitch Expanded Reduce Weight Capacity But A Ball Mount Does Not
Published 06/10/2019
Question:
Conner L. said the use of a 1.25inch to 2inch adapter will reduce the tongue weight of the receiver by half. I dont see the logic. If I were to tow a trailer, I would need to attach some sort of arm with a ball on it to haul the trailer, use part number C45561 as an example. Would the use of that part, # C45561, reduce the tongue weight of the Kurt trailer hitch receiver by half? And, if that item does NOT reduce the tongue weight by half, why does the use of an 1.25inch to 2inch adapter, # C45785? The Curt Class II Euro Style Drawbar, # C45561, has a pin to ball distance of 9.5inch while the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter, # C45785, is 6inch from pin hole to pin hole. I dont understand why an adapter would halve the tongue weight but a drawbar doesnt.
asked by: HatSonII
Helpful Expert Reply:
The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter part # C45785 will reduce the tongue weight capacity of your trailer hitch by 50% according to the manufacturer. This same statement holds true for pretty much any other hitch adapter like this no matter the manufacturer. The reason that this will reduce your tongue weight capacity by 50% but a ball mount will not has to do with a supported vs non-supported load.
If you were to place a bike rack on the rear of the vehicle using a hitch adapter, the connection point will be moved further away form the vehicle thereby increasing up and down movement. This increased up and down movement then puts more stress on the trailer hitch which is why you have a reduced weight capacity. If you were to coupler a trailer via a ball mount, the increased distance is still present yes but the the load is also no longer free hanging because it has support from the trailer axle which then decreases up and down movement.
If you do not wish to the abide by the 50% reduction in weight capacity while using a hitch adapter then that is your call but you would not be covered under any warranty if anything were to go wrong.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter - 1-1/4" (Class II) to 2" - 6" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Expander
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- 6 Inch Extension
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1-1/4 Inch to 2 Inch
- CURT
more information >
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