Is it a Good Idea to Use More Than One Hitch Adapter?

Updated 05/27/2021 | Published 05/25/2021

Question:

Hi there, Im planning to use a dual hitch adaptor like this so that I can simultaneously carry a bike rack and a cargo basket. Is it a bad idea to use an extra adaptor to lift the bike rack a bit higher and forward toward the car? As shown in attached images. This accomplishes two things. First, it gets the bike rack out of the way of the cargo baskets useful space. Second, it brings the bike rack closer to the trailer hitch which I think will reduce the torque on the hitch. As discussed in question 539021, using the adaptor at all will reduce the load that the hitch can bear. Is this a bad idea? Note that the extra adaptor is ed backwards into the dual hitch adaptor. Its got a centimeter of clearance away from the bumper, and when load the cargo carrier and bike rack that grows to a few centimeters. Im not too worried about my rear bumper. I do wonder if ing the adaptor backwards means its likelier to fail.

asked by: Peter F

Expert Reply:

Here at etrailer, we do not recommend using two hitch adapters at the same time. Not only does it reduce the weight capacity of the hitch even more (more than the 50% from using one adapter), it can be dangerous for other motorists. In addition, we also don't recommend using the adapter backwards. For this situation, I suggest eliminating the second adapter.

expert reply by: Bob C