My 2 Inch Hitch Adapter Will Not Fit My 1-1/4 Inch Hitch Receiver on 2005 Ford Focus

Question:

Just bought this hitch. Installed on vehicle. Try to put in a 2 inch tube to 1-1/4 inch hitch tube reducer into hitch for bike rack. The 1-1/4 end of reducer did not go in entirely into hitch so pin holes would line up and fit. The end of reducer hit a protrusion in 1-1/4 tube end of the hitch. Is this deformed area inside on the hitchs 1-1-1/4 tube designed to be there or is this a manufacturing error? If so why?

asked by: alan

Expert Reply:

The item you selected, Draw-Tite Class 1 Sportframe Trailer Hitch, part # 24692 is not compatible with a 2 inch adapter or reducer, part # 80303. Part # 24692, is a Class 1 hitch and is designed to not to work with a 2 inch adapters, because of the weigh capacity of a Class I hitch. The protrusion in the receiver is put there on purpose by the manufacturer to prevent overloading or using adapters. Whenever a 2 inch adapter is used on a 1-1/4 hitch receiver, it reduces the weight capacity and tongue weight capacity of the hitch by half. With the hitch you have it would only allow you to carry a tongue weight of 100 pounds.

The 2 inch adapter or reducer, part # 80303, that you have will not work with Class 1 hitches like part # 24692

You would need to install a Class II or Class III Hitch on your vehicle for the adapter, part # 80303, to work. Class II and III hitches have a greater weight capacity. At this time we do not carry a Class II hitch for your 2005 Ford Focus.