Does the Use of a Dual Hitch Adapter Reduce Tongue Weight Capacity

Updated 04/07/2024 | Published 10/26/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter with 2" or 6" Drop/Rise

(897)

$234.15

Replacement Shank for Gen-Y Adjustable Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 7-1/2" Drop/Rise - 10K

(11)

$223.97

Question:

My understanding is that an adapter like this is kind of like a lever, making the tongue put more stress on the tow vehicle. My tow vehicle has a 600 lb limit. My tongue weight on my trailer is about 260 lb. Add a couple of bikes and were at about 330 or so. Too much?

asked by: Tom

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are correct, the use of an adapter typically reduces the tongue weight capacity by 50%, but the amount can vary slightly. Since you are towing a trailer, you do not want to use the Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 6" Drop/Rise # RM-077-6 since it is designed for flat towing. As for the other dual hitch adapters available, I checked and they all reduce capacity by 50% so that would leave you overloaded.

I do, however, have a solution. I recommend using the Replacement Shank for Gen-Y Adjustable Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 7-1/2" Drop/Rise - 10K # 325-GH-304. The Gen-Y will not reduce your tongue weight capacity so you will be able to tow your trailer and carry your bikes. It has a maximum tongue weight of 1,500 lbs so your tow vehicle/trailer hitch would be the limiting factor.

expert reply by: Robin H

Pieter S.

4/6/2024

I'm confused how this is different from a dual hitch? You're suggesting you can add both a hitch ball (for trailer) and a bike rack to this adapter and not affect tongue weight?

Robin H.

4/7/2024

@PieterS it is true you can use this like a dual hitch adapter and it will not reduce the towing/tongue weight capacity of your hitch/vehicle. The design and strength of the build allow for this. It has also been tested and verified by Gen-Y.

Pieters

4/7/2024

@RobinH thanks for the prompt response - good to know! I noticed that by some of the other dual hitch adapters it specifically states NOT for use with a trailer - even though the customer images obviously shows it used with a trailer :)