Can a 2000 Ford Van 1-1/4" Hitch and Adapter be Used with the Swagman Swivel Swing Arm?

Updated 09/10/2025 | Published 09/03/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender - 2" Hitches - Dual Side - Swing-Away Hitch Adapter

(42)

$599.99

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(65)

$216.94

24x60 etrailer Enclosed Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - 440 lbs

(13)

$641.15

Question:

I have a Ford Econoline Van, an E250, 2000 year model with a 1 1/4inch hitch receiver on the back. I have a 2inch adapter with stabilizer rated for 350 pounds. I would like to get the following items from you and would like to know if this setup would work. 1. 24x60 etrailer Enclosed Cargo Carrier for 2inch Hitches - Steel - 440 lbs Part Number: e54VV 2. Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender - 2inch Hitches - Dual Side - Swing-Away Hitch Adapter Part Number: S86SR Im carry less than the rated weight for all items, but wasnt sure about using the 2inch adapter with the two items above. I will have a 50 pound generator and various other lighter weight items, all well under the 350 pound rated weight. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Scott F

Expert Reply:

Hey Scott!

I love the products that you've picked out, but we're going to need to get you setup with a 2" receiver on your 2000 Ford Econoline because the adapter you have for your 1-1/4" adapter is going to already drop the tongue weight rating of your 1-1/4" to 50% of the rated capacity, and we shouldn't be using more than one adapter, which you would be doing with your 1-1/4" adapter and the Swagman # S86SR.

If we swap out your current hitch receiver with the Curt 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13055 then you will safely be able to use the Swagman # S86SR along with the etrailer Cargo Carrier # e54VV.

It's also worth noting that the Swagman arm can handle 300 lbs of weight and the cargo carrier weighs in at 106 lbs, so you'll want to avoid loading more than 194 lbs in the carrier.

Hopefully this helps you out! Do you have the van fully loaded, or are you planning on using the carrier for things you're wanting to keep out of the van?

expert reply by: Jon G

Curt Hitch on a Ford E-250
(click to enlarge)

Scott F.

9/10/2025

Jon, thanks for the reply. Before I got this message we ended up going with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2" Part Number: 14055 receiver, which I think should be similar to what you suggested just a higher rating. I also did the math on the swing arm and it didn't leave enough room, so I think I am going to go with an option like the Roadmaster Anti-Rattle Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 7-3/4" Extension Part Number: RM-071-1075 to get the cargo carrier far enough away from the back doors to be able to open them. The extension has a tongue weight of 400 pounds which should be sufficient. I wish it was more like 500-600 pounds but the other options to extend out were closer to 300 pounds (if you have another suggest for higher tongue weight on an extension just let me know). I believe the final setup is going to go like this to get about 24" away from our van doors. 1. Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2" Part Number: 14055 2. Roadmaster Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 7-3/4" Extension Part Number: RM-071-1075 3. 24x60 Reese Cargo Carrier with etrailer Enclosure Cage for 2" Hitches - Steel - 440 lbs Part Number: RP85AR The cargo carrier will have outdoor stuff and a generator, fuel, etc. thanks again.

Jon G.

9/10/2025

@ScottF The Curt Hitch # 14055 will work great as well! In all honesty my recommendation was mainly based off of price since I figured you wouldn't be too excited about replacing your hitch. The Roadmaster Extender # RM-071-1075 will work along with the Reese Cargo Carrier # RP85AR so you'll be good to go with that route as well!