How Does a High-Low Adapter Affect Trailer Hitch Weight Rating for Flat Towing
Question:
I am planning to tow my Ford Focus with my Class A motorhome. The car weighs about 3000lb and the hitch is rated for 5000lb so I should be good to go. But the hitch is about 10 inches above the tow bar connection points and I wonder if using such a long hitch reduces the tow rating for the same reasons that using hitch extenders does - leverage on the hitch assembly and lots of welded joints. Thank you.
asked by: Pete A
Expert Reply:
The high-low adapters that are made more for flat towing setups instead of towing a trailer, like the Roadmaster # RM-048-10 which has a 10-1/4" rise/drop, actually only decrease the tongue weight rating of your trailer hitch when you use it for an accessory like a bike rack. Since you will be using this adapter to flat tow your Ford Focus the weight rating of your trailer hitch won't be affected because your Focus completely supports itself.
The reason why extenders reduce weight ratings so dramatically when used for trailer towing applications is because part of the trailer weight (the tongue weight) is completely supported by the trailer hitch. This throws things off for trailer towing but not for flat towing.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster High-Low Adapter - 2" Hitches - 10-1/4" Rise/Drop - 10K GTW, 400 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Adapters
- High-Low Adapter
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10 Inch Rise/Drop
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Search Results: tow bar
- Shop: Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Shop: Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 All-Terrain Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Article: How Level Should a Tow Bar Be When Flat Towing
- Q&A: What High-Low Adapter Do I Need to Flat-Tow a Lifted Jeep
- Shop: Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Shop: Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 2 " or 8" Drop/Rise
- Q&A: Measuring for High Low Adapter to Flat Tow Vehicle Behind Motorhome
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Search Results: rm~643
- Search Results: rm~156~75
- Search Results: 910021~00
- Search Results: flat tow jeep
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Sway Bars
- Search Results: brake systems
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with Warn Elite Bumper
- Search Results: roadmaster tow bar
- Q&A: Brake Light Switch Wire Color to Install a Brake Controller on a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Video: RoadMaster Coiled Safety Cables Installation - 2013 Honda CR-V
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Flat Tires When Towing Mini Cooper With 2011 Holiday Rambler
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Could Patriot Hitches Adjustable Drop Hitch be Used as High Low Adapter When Flat Towing
- Q&A: Length of Main Shank on Roadmaster High-Low Adapter # RM-048-10
- Video: Best 2021 Jeep Cherokee Flat Tow Set Up - Tow Bar Wiring