How to Transport a Powerchair with a 2006 Scion xB

Updated 02/10/2020 | Published 02/08/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(62)

$212.54

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(3870)

$14.78

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs

(3870)

$10.43

Curt Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 3-1/8" Rise - 9-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs

(2273)

$39.92

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

(19)

$44.11

Curt Hitch Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter x 2" Span

(2932)

$2.87

Question:

I have a 2006 Scion xB, and want to install a towing bar that can accommodate a wheelchair carrier. My wife uses a heavy powerchair that even with the seat removed wont easily break down to fit into the car. The carriers need a 2 inch drawbar, yet the hitch for the xB is only a 1 1/4. Any advice?

asked by: Rich M

Expert Reply:

I can definitely offer a solution to transport your wife's heavy powerchair but you are in a bit of a pickle. Your 2006 Scion xB was designed as a passenger vehicle which is why there is only 1 trailer hitch available, the Class I Curt # C11487 with the 1-1/4" receiver, and your owner's manual advises against towing anything with it.

With that being said, the safest option for you is to use a small trailer to transport the powerchair. This trailer hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs which I'm pretty sure the weight of both a wheelchair carrier and your wife's powerchair would exceed. By using a trailer you are greatly reducing the amount of tongue weight being placed on the trailer hitch which is also transferred over to your Scion xB. Since your owner's manual advises against towing though you will need to decide on your own whether or not this is an option you want to pursue.

In addition to the trailer hitch you need the wiring kit # C56030 (which plugs in behind your tail lights) and a ball mount kit like parts # C45520, # F-4, and a hitch ball like the 1-7/8" # C40001 or the 2" # C40018.

Installation instructions have been linked to this answer page and you can find a handful of picture from other Scion owner's showing them towing with the Curt trailer hitch so you know you wouldn't be alone in this.