High-Low Adapter for a Wheelchair Carrier on a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan

Question:

I have a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan With a 2 inch Class III hitch. I have recently purchased a wheelchair carrier for my PERMOBIL M300 electric wheelchair. The wheelchair carrier weighs 87 lbs. the PERMOBIL M300 weighs 347 lbs. the problem I am experiencing is that the wheelchair carrier will drag if I am entering or exiting a driveway that has much of a slant or . I am wondering if this product would allow me to raise the height of the wheelchair carrier in order to reduce the drag. The total weight of the chair and carrier is 434 pounds. I guess the issue is will the RM-076 adapter handle that weight. Please advise. I think I also need to use a product like your Brophy Stabilizer Bracket #RHSB to reduce movement of the carrier when in use. Will these items solve my problem? This is a $25,000 Wheelchair so I don’t want to take any risks with it. I look forward to your expert advice and am ready to place an order if you think I’m on the right track. Thank you so much.

asked by: JIM W

Expert Reply:

The rise, part # RM-076 will unfortunately lower your tongue weight too far and you won't be able to carry the wheelchair when installed. You're right in noting that the tongue weight of your hitch will be reduced by 50%, which would render the hitch incapable of holding the carrier and wheelchair.

You can get a little creative though with the specific kind of attachment you're getting the rise from. A Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount, part # D210 doesn't have the same reduction in tongue weight because of how the bar is constructed. This will put the carrier an additional 7-1/2 inches behind the vehicle, but will give it almost a 4 inch rise above its current position. This may not completely eliminate the problem as the angles will change because of the extension, but it should improve the carrier's performance.

However, you'll be able to use the Brophy Stabilizer Bracket, part # RHSB to reduce the amount of movement the wheelchair experiences. Additionally, tightening the carrier down may raise it a little bit and give you better ground clearance for the chair.

Another step you can take to reduce movement is to install a ratchet strap like part # SS6-SL14 across the seat of the chair to stabilize it to your carrier.

expert reply by: Jacob W