Can The e43YR Hitch Adapter Be Used With A Weight Distribution Hitch?

Updated 06/13/2025 | Published 06/10/2025

Question:

Can I tow 3500 pounds with this and a weight leveling hitch? Or use a weight leveling hitch with a 1 1/4 tongue? Thanks

asked by: Sherman W

Expert Reply:

Hello Sherman, thanks for reaching out. To answer your question, no, the Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter # e43YR cannot be used with a weight distribution (WD) hitch.

WD hitches can only be used with 2" hitch receivers that are rated for use with a WD hitch. Your 1-1/4" hitch is not rated for this kind of use.

Also, using this kind of adapter effectively decreased your hitches carrying capacity by 50%. Meaning with the adapter in the mix, your hitch would only be able to carry like 100 lbs of tongue weight. So not nearly strong enough to use with a WD hitch.

If you have a trailer that requires a WD hitch, you will need to tow with a different vehicle that has a 2" hitch rated for use with a WD system.

What is the year, make and model of your vehicle? Also what kind of trailer are you pulling?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter
(click to enlarge)

Sherman W.

6/13/2025

If it’s welded on is it safe then? I know a person who welds truck frames. Thanks

Jesse M.

6/13/2025

@ShermanW No. Do not use a weight distribution hitch with any 1-1/4" receiver and especially not with a hitch adapter. That would be highly unsafe for you and for every other driver on the road within your vicinity. You could quite literally rip the hitch off the car, snap the adapter in half, or damage the frame of the vehicle. You should not be towing any trailer that requires weight distribution with a vehicle that has a 1-1/4" receiver. You need to either upgrade to a 2" receiver that specifically states it is compatible with a WD hitch, or your need to find a different vehicle to tow your trailer with.

Sherman W.

6/13/2025

@JesseM If the newer truck just purchased didn’t have so much welding of the hitch to the frame I’d buy another receiver. The hybrid camper weighs under 2000 pounds and didn’t come with a weight distribution kit, so will probably be ok. Thanks

Jesse M.

6/13/2025

@ShermanW Yea if you are pulling that with a truck you should be good without a WD hitch. It shouldn't cause the truck to sag too much. What truck is it? just curious. I am thinking your best bet would be to just use a standard ball mount for a 1-1/4" hitch and no adapter. That will be the most stable way to tow your camper. I cant imagine a 2,000 lb camper would sway too bad as long as you aren't going too fast. Does your camper have brakes?