Does Hitch Adapter Cut Capacity of Cargo Carrier or Trailer Hitch

Question:

I have your 24x60 Curt Cargo Carrier Hitches Steel Folding 500 lbs item C18153 which I previously used on an Expedition without any issues. I recently purchased and had installed the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2inch Item # 76112. for my 2015 Toyota Sienna. The cargo carrier sits so low that I cant get out of any driveway without dragging the distal end of the carrier. Your website and customer support say that the Roadmaster 48 hi low adapter will decrease the tongue weight rating by at least 50 when using a cargo carrier. I called Roadmaster tech support and they tell me the tongue weight for the cargo carrier with this adapter remains 400 lbs. Can you explain this discrepancy?

asked by: Juliana B

Expert Reply:

If you use a hitch extender or adapter you don't end up cutting the capacity of the accessory by 50 percent but you do end up cutting the capacity of the trailer hitch it's all installed in by 50 percent due to the increase in leverage and movement.

Since the Draw Tite hitch part # 76112 that you have has a tongue weight capacity of 525 lbs you'd end up with a capacity of 262.5 lbs when using hitch adapter. I don't think Roadmaster intentionally misled you but they were looking at the wrong "end" of the hitch setup.

expert reply by: Jameson C