Hitch Adapter HT5R - Can The Reduced TW Capacity Be Exceeded If Not Towing?

Question:

Hitch Adapter 1-1/4inch to 2inch Trailer Hitch Receiver with 5inch Rise Item # HT5R Ok- on reviews, Im seeing what has to be Class I 1 1/4” hitches on these low sitting sedans. Probably with tongue weight of 200lbs, just like the Curt Mfg hitch on our 2018 Infinity Q50 In the reviews, for example, one person using this adapter, then putting flat rack looks like a black steel one-heavy with motorized chair on it- rack with chair has to weigh more than 100lb. How are they doing that with 200lb tongue weight hitch and adapter that reduces by half to 100lbs? Other reviews show similar things that look like they would exceed the reduced tongue weights. Im looking at motorized beach carts which are 117lbs, then a flat rack or bar that is 15-30 lbs but only available in 2”. So can you exceed capacity if not towing?

asked by: Stuart W

Expert Reply:

Hey Stuart, thanks for your question. I will start by saying that using a hitch adapter such as the # HT5R does indeed reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by half. So in the case of the Draw-Tite hitch # 24931 for the 2018 Infiniti Q50, you would be limited to 100 lbs of tongue weight capacity. This is including the weight of the adapter itself (8 lbs) plus the weight of your carrier plus whatever cargo. We cannot recommend exceeding this weight capacity, even though you are not towing.

That said, I am not saying that if you were to put 101 lbs of tongue weight on the hitch that it would instantly fail. The 50% weight reduction is a general rule that we use for all adapters for the purpose of safety.

I believe I see the picture you are referring to with the motorized chair on the back of the sedan. I will say that this setup looks less than ideal. I am not sure of the exact weight of that chair though, hopefully they are under 100 lbs, although looking at the size of that chair, I am not so sure. If they are exceeding the 100 lb TW rating, I wish them luck and I hope they are being very careful and very aware of how much weight they have behind the car.

As far as your beach carts, I really cannot recommend carrying something that heavy using the adapter and a cargo rack. There is simply too much risk involved. Not only to your safety and the safety of your gear, but the safety of other people on the road as well. Your best bet would be to use a small utility trailer to carry your carts. This way you would be able to utilize the hitch up to its full 200 lb TW or 2,000 lb GTW ratings.

expert reply by: Jesse M