Can Trailer Hitch Installed on 2013 Nissan Altima Handle Mobility Scooter + Carrier Weighing 300 lbs

Published 11/12/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(210)

$182.53

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(85)

$62.38

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs

(2621)

$18.47

Detail K2 Mighty Multi A-Frame Utility Trailer - 7-1/2' Long - 1,640 lbs

(9)

$2022.53

Question:

Parents have a 2103 Nissan Altima. Needing to know if a hitch installed on this vehicle can handle a power chair and lift appx 300 pounds total.

asked by: Penny R

Expert Reply:

A Nissan Altima is compatible with a Class I hitch, which has a maximum tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs. The 300 lb chair and lift you mention would seriously overload the hitch, which would damage the hitch and result in the loss of the carrier and the power chair during transport, which would be bad.

Your best bet would be to use a different tow vehicle, one that's capable of using a Class III hitch that has a tongue weight capacity of at least 350 lbs.

A small trailer like part # K2MMT5X7 would also be a good option. If you wanted to go that route, you'd need to install a hitch and a trailer wiring harness to provide power to the trailer lights. If you have a 4-door sedan, I recommend the Draw-Tite # 24796. For a trailer wiring harness, the Tow Ready # 118470 would work well.

Either hitch includes a pin and clip, but you'll also need a ball mount and the 2 inch trailer ball required by that scooter trailer, part # 19258.