Using Hitch Receiver Adapter to Carry Snow Blower on Ford Edge with OEM 1-1/4 Hitch
Question:
I have a 2010 Ford Edge with the factory 1 1/4inch receiver hitch. I have an adapter to a 2inch receiver. Can that be used with this unit? Also, my reason for getting this would to haul my Toro snowblower to the repair shop. Will it work for this? Thanks
asked by: Tim T
Helpful Expert Reply:
It is indeed possible to use an adapter so that a cargo carrier for a 2 inch receiver can be used in a 1-1/4 inch receiver, however we recommend avoiding using an adapter if at all possible.
Using the adapter adds more distance between the hitch mounted accessory and the face of the receiver. This distance increases the leverage applied to the receiver tube, and the points where the hitch attaches to the vehicle. If this leverage becomes extreme, damage can occur. Because of this, the hitch manufacturers state that using an extender or adapter like you propose will reduce the tongue weight capacity (amount of weight that can be safely suspended from receiver tube) by 50 percent. Because using the adapter adds another piece in between the receiver and the hitch accessory, it is likely that there will be some movement of the carrier during transport.
Assuming that your OE hitch has a 300 lb tongue weight capacity, using the adapter would lower that capacity to 150 lbs. The carrier weighs about 60 lbs, so that would leave you 90 lbs of capacity for the snow blower. If the blower weighs less than 90 lbs, you should be okay.
The best practice is to use a carrier designed for your hitch, and avoid using the adapter altogether. The carriers we offer that are compatible with a 1-1/4 inch hitch all measure around 20 inches deep. If it is possible to turn the snow blower sideways so it will fit on a platform of that size, this would be your best case scenario. I have linked you to our selection of carriers that are compatible with a 1-1/4 inch hitch.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
32x48 Reese Solo Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - 400 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- 32 Inch Wide
- Standard Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 48 Inch Long
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- Reese
more information >
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