Why Cant I Use a Class II Hitch Adapter for 1-1/4 Hitch Receiver in a Class I Hitch?

Published 11/05/2019

Question:

I have a class 1 hitch on my car. 200 pound limit. I.25 inch. I see your adapter to 2 inch is available. Why does it matter if I use a class 1 vs class 2. The class 2 is rated to 350 pounds. You recommend class 1.

asked by: JOSUE C

Expert Reply:

The reason that you can't use a Class II adapter in a Class I hitch receiver is that most Class I hitch receivers have a lip or stopper that keeps you from using the longer shank of the Class II adapter in the lower capacity Class I hitch. You would instead want to use an adapter like the # HTAD which is designed for use in both Class I and II hitch receivers if you needed to use an adapter. It should be noted that when using an adapter, it will reduce your tongue weight capacity by 50%, so your 200-lb tongue weight limit will only be 100-lbs using the # HTAD adapter. When dealing with hitches, you're always limited by your lowest rated component-in this case, it's your vehicle's tongue weight capacity. Using a higher rated hitch doesn't change what your vehicle is capable of handling and adding an adapter to the equation limits you even further.

expert reply by: Erik B