Hitch adapter query

[Retiredguy2]

I use a 2004 Impala (factory tow rating 2000 pounds) with a Class 2 hitch that uses a 1-1/4" drawbar to pull an 800 pound empty weight UT. Since the trailer gets borrowed often by others I sometimes use a 1-1/4" to 2" adapter (Valley brand) to use 2" hitch bars for other vehicles and I kind of like having the extension on my car as makes hitching up easier for me. I never exceed the tow rating of the car itself although the hitch is rated for 3500 pounds and I caution anyone who borrows the trailer to keep the towed load under 2500 pounds when they use my adapter.

Yes, I know the hitch adapter is supposed to be used for bike racks, cargo carriers, etc. and it clearly says "Not to be used for towing" and am wondering is anyone has ever known one to fail when used for towing with reasonable weight limits and not using any extreme drop hitch bars, etc. After using the adapter at least 75 times, I can see no wear at all. Is the safety warning "Not for towing" just a CYA on the part of the maker?

 

[s219]

Without seeing/knowing how it's built, it's impossible to say. But if it moves the ball farther back from the tow vehicle's rear axle, that will lower the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can handle. So keep that in mind. Probably lowers it by 15-20% or so.

 

[Retiredguy2]

Without seeing/knowing how it's built, it's impossible to say. But if it moves the ball farther back from the tow vehicle's rear axle, that will lower the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can handle. So keep that in mind. Probably lowers it by 15-20% or so.

Excellent point and I thank you for your input. On my Impala it moves the hitch ball center line 7" further back using a 2" hitch bar plugged into the adapter. Since my car has extra load rated tires and the trailer itself has very little hitch weight it has not been a concern for me yet.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My big concern is due to the extended leverage its pushing a lot more torque on the hitch itself. I think you have a better chance of the hitch on the car failing before the extender fails.

Chris

 

[Retiredguy2]

My big concern is due to the extended leverage its pushing a lot more torque on the hitch itself. I think you have a better chance of the hitch on the car failing before the extender fails.

Chris

Thanks Chris...given that the hitch on my Impala is rated for 3500 pounds and the push/pull is basically straight (no drop hitch bar) I interpret your answer as meaning the adapter does not contribute all that much additional stress. I will continue to use the adapter and if the hitch fails I will further inform you all.

 

[Code54]

From ETrailer.com

"Hitch Expander
Hitch Expander
Do you have the coolest 2" bike rack or cargo carrier on the block but have a 1-1/4" receiver opening? Don't sweat it - all you need is a hitch expander. The expander has a 1-1/4" piece that fits into your receiver opening and expands it to the 2" opening you need. However, when you use a hitch expander, you must keep in mind that your tongue weight capacity will be reduced by 50%. For example, if your hitch has a 200-lb maximum tongue weight, it will be reduced to 100 lbs. This is because the expander extends the load out farther from your vehicle, applying more leverage to your hitch. It is always best to match the hitch opening measurement to the accessory measurement, but if you are in a pinch, the extender can help you out. Keep in mind that hitch expanders are not to be used for towing."

Hitch Adapters and Extenders | etrailer.com

Hope that helps give you a bit more info.

 

[Diamondpilot]

From ETrailer.com

"Hitch Expander
Hitch Expander
Do you have the coolest 2" bike rack or cargo carrier on the block but have a 1-1/4" receiver opening? Don't sweat it - all you need is a hitch expander. The expander has a 1-1/4" piece that fits into your receiver opening and expands it to the 2" opening you need. However, when you use a hitch expander, you must keep in mind that your tongue weight capacity will be reduced by 50%. For example, if your hitch has a 200-lb maximum tongue weight, it will be reduced to 100 lbs. This is because the expander extends the load out farther from your vehicle, applying more leverage to your hitch. It is always best to match the hitch opening measurement to the accessory measurement, but if you are in a pinch, the extender can help you out. Keep in mind that hitch expanders are not to be used for towing."

Hitch Adapters and Extenders | etrailer.com

Hope that helps give you a bit more info.

That is exactly what I was saying.

Chris

 

[Retiredguy2]

That is exactly what I was saying.

Chris

Code54: Thank you for that information, it is much appreciated.

 

[John_Mc]

Thanks Chris...given that the hitch on my Impala is rated for 3500 pounds and the push/pull is basically straight (no drop hitch bar) I interpret your answer as meaning the adapter does not contribute all that much additional stress.

Even if your hitch is rated at 3500#, your car is still rated at 2000#. And there is no guarantee that the hitch to car mounting method can take more than 2000# with any sort of acceptable safety factor.

Having said that, I'm not sure if the Impala is sold in Europe or not. If it is, check out what the tow rating for it is over there. They generally have much higher tow ratings on the same vehicles sold in the US (though in some cases the attachment method of the hitch to the car is different). In large part, the different ratings are not so much due to different capabilities of the European models of the vehicles. It's because most European countries have much stricter towing regulations (speeds and training required to tow just about any kind of trailer) - and the people actually follow those rules. Here in the US, we tend to just load up and go, and drive as fast as we can (I'm talking about trailers which do not require a CDL). THe difference between 50 or 55mph and 65mph can be huge when towing.