Is a Hitch Lock Strong Enough to Support Weight of Wheelchair Carrier

Question:

I am concerned about the strength of a hitch lock versus a hitch pin when using a wheelchair carrier. These carriers just mount in the receiver and have no wheels to balance the weight like a trailer does. Will a hitch lock be strong enough to support the weight of a carrier with an electric wheelchair in it 400 lbs? I would like to be sure before I put my dads wheelchair on the carrier. I cant remember my model number of lock, but it said it was for class 1-4 hitches. Thanks!

asked by: Ryan

Expert Reply:

Trailer hitch locks, such as our etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 1-1/4 Inch Hitches # e98879, do not typically have a listed weight capacity. This is simply because a hitch lock or pin is not going to actually bear any of the weight from an accessory like your wheelchair carrier or a trailer. You do not need to worry about a hitch lock or standard pin failing from being overloaded.

The only capacities you will need to consider is that of the vehicle itself and the trailer hitch you have installed. You will need to make sure you do not exceed the tongue weight capacity on the trailer hitch or vehicle. The hitch's capacities should be listed with a sticker on the hitch itself, somewhere near the receiver on the crosstube.

expert reply by: Chris R