How to Transport Jazzy Power Chair on 2001 PT Cruiser

Question:

I have a pt 2001. I also have a power lift to haul a jazzy power chair. The lift has a 2inch shaft to fit a class 3 hitch and I cant get class 3 hitch system for pt cruiser. Can I use a adapter to change the class 1 or 2 hitch that I can find for pt to a class 3 and with it work and hold up the lift and chair that together weight about 500 pounds. I dont want to be driving down the road and everything off the car cause it broke hitch off cause it couldnt hold the weight.. Please help me out it you can cant afford to lose the lift and chair mess up my car and pay for whoever happened to be behind me if it was to break and come off out behind the pt.

asked by: Vic

Helpful Expert Reply:

Although adapters are made for joining different size hitches and accessories, you cannot use one in your application. Your vehicle itself cannot handle the 500-lb combined weight of the power chair and carrier, but more than that, using an adapter would cut the hitch capacity by 50-percent. This would absolutely be an unsafe situation.

Your only method for transporting the Jazzy power chair on this particular vehicle is a small utility trailer that you could tow with one of the Class I hitches offered for your 2001 PT Cruiser, such as Draw-Tite # 24759. You will also need a ball mount like # 3593 and a hitch ball to match the size coupler on the trailer, most likely a 1-7/8-inch like # 19256. Small utility trailers are available at many outdoor/farm/home improvement stores.

expert reply by: Adam R