A Dual Hitch Receiver for Tow Bars and Flat Towing a Vehicle Can Not be Used to Tow a Trailer

Updated 08/23/2012 | Published 08/22/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 2" or 4" Drop/Rise

(991)

$206.23

Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs

(236)

$73.72

Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Assist and Support Bar for 2" Hitches - 49" Long

(529)

$429.99

Question:

Like others who have inquired, I would very much like to tow my trailer with my pickup, but also have a way to add and extension so I can bring my kayak while camping. Your solutions for the bikes on the back of the RV work but this will not work for my kayak/pick-up combination. Any suggestions? Also, what is the reason for not using the dual receiver in this manner. It seems like a very logical solution to me.

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

First, the dual receivers like # RM-077-4, cannot be used for towing like you have said. One issue is that you would have to add a ball mount to the end of the receiver and that extra link in the chain can create too much stress for anything other than flat towing.

Though this item is rated for 400 pounds tongue weight, the tongue weight of a trailer can fluctuate as you travel whereas a vehicle is being towed with 4 wheels on the ground and has virtually no tongue weight. These receivers are not rated or tested for any other use other than tow bar use and accessories.

But I have the perfect solution for you. Like you may have seen in the questions and answers, we offer a dual receiver, # D210. This will allow you to tow the trailer and carry something in the 2 inch receiver on top. What I would use is the Rhino-Rack T-Load # RTL002. This will hold the end of the kayak up and not interfere with the trailer behind the truck.

To carry the kayak level, you could also add a universal roof rack bar to the back of the truck cab, # DTA968.

expert reply by: Michael H