Would a Hitch Extender Be Needed to Carry a Harmar Scooter on a 2011 Buick Lacrosse

Question:

I think I will need to have an extention to add to 36538 hitch to extend out a little past bumper on my Buick Lacross 2011 that will accept Harmar AL160 scooter lift but dont know what to order when I place order.Everyone at E-Trailer has been exceptional and I thank you in advance.

asked by: DON

Expert Reply:

The problem with hitch extenders is that they reduce the capacity of the hitch they are installed on by 50 percent. The Draw-Tite part # 36538 that you referenced has a tongue weight capacity of 300 lbs, so if you were to use an extender you would now be limited to 150 lbs of tongue weight.

When installed the hitch opening should be recessed behind your bumper about 4 inches, so most likely the carrier you have would not require more clearance, but you can measure it from the center of the pin hole out to the nearest portion of the rack. If that distance is less than 4 inches an extender would be needed.

In the unlikely event you need more than 4 inches and your carrier plus scooter weighs less than 150 lbs an extender like the part # hes6 would work as it gives 6 additional inches of clearance.

expert reply by: Jameson C