Using Mobility Chair Carrier on Taller Vehicle That Has a 2-Inch Hitch

Question:

I need a hitch mount with a down of about 8 to 9 inches. The only weight it will have is for my Mobility chair lift with a swing-away bar. It has to fit a 2inch receiver. I traded vehicles and the mount I have now will not let the platform reach the ground. Which mount would you recommend?

asked by: Douglas R

Helpful Expert Reply:

We do offer a range of high/low 2-inch hitch adapters like the Roadmaster # RM-048-8 that provides 8-inches of drop or rise. The trouble with adapters is that they have the unavoidable side-effect of cutting your hitch's capacity by 50-percent. This is a result of the change in geometry and leverage that occurs from adding in the adapter.

Let's say your hitch's safety sticker indicates a tongue weight (TW) capacity of 500-lbs. If you were to use an adapter you'd end up with a halved TW capacity of only 250-lbs. This is very unlikely to be enough for the weight of any combination of mobility chair and hitch-mounted carrier.

A better solution is to select a new carrier that includes a ramp for easier loading and unloading of your mobility chair. This avoids the height issue without compromising your hitch's weight-carrying capacity. The linked page will show you all such ramped carriers for 2-inch hitches. You'll want to take note of your chair's dimensions so that you choose a carrier with a large enough platform.

Let's say you need a carrier that measures 30 x 50-inches. A great choice is the Flint Hill Goods carrier # FHG77ZR. This unit offers 4-3/4-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole when folded up in its storage position and it weighs approximately 80-lbs. It has a 48-inch ramp. Or for a long ramp of 60 inches, we have the Flint Hill Goods # FHG69ZR, but it does not fold.

I also included an article to help you select a carrier that will fit your vehicle without interference with the rear bumper.