Using a 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Adapter Reduces Tongue Weight Capacity on a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
Question:
2002 Mercury Mountaineer with a factory 1 1/4 hitch. Can a I safety place an extension adapter to convert to 2 inch and tow a car dolly with a vehicle of approxiately 3000 pounds? Rear wheels of towed vehicle will be rolling. Tongue capacity of 2 is 6000 lbs.
asked by: Russell T
Expert Reply:
The use of any adapter or extension will reduce the tongue weight capacity of your 2002 Mercury Mountaineer by 50 percent. In this situation, you have to go with the lowest capacity, in this case it is the trailer hitch with the reduced tongue weight. Even if the adapter is rated for 6,000 pounds, you will only be able to tow as much as your hitch and vehicle will allow.
To overcome this problem, I recommend installing a larger capacity hitch like the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 75132. This is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch receiver opening. It is rated for 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 500 pounds tongue weight capacity. I have included a link to the installation details below.
This hitch will install beneath the factory hitch so you will not have to remove the factory hitch. Then, to tow the dolly, you will need the recommended Ball Mount, # C45010 with a hitch pin # PC3, and the proper diameter hitch ball. Use # 19260 for a 1-7/8 inch diameter, # 63845 for a 2 inch diameter, or # 63853 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter.
Products Referenced in This Question
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Stainless Steel - 6,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Stainless Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 8000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 800 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Q&A: Will the Kuat NV Fit and Clear Rear Spare of a 2015 Jeep Wrangler
- Q&A: Mounting A 7-pin And 4-pin Connector To My 2018 Toyota RAV-4
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Troubleshooting An Everchill RV Refrigerator That Has Flashing Lights
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Article: What Do I Need To Tow A Trailer?
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: Is a Wiring Harness Required for Trailer Lights or Do They Come With a Trailer Hitch
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Curt Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 1996 Toyota RAV4
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit