Does Tongue Weight Get Reduced When Using Hitch Adapter on 2009 VW Jetta SportWagen

Question:

I have this hitch and a cargo carrier, which with the class 1 to 3 adapter places the center of the hitch carrier approximately 19 inch from the pin hole on the hitch. Cargo carrier and adapter weigh approx. 60 lbs. I am occasionally carrying ~130 lbs. of deer during hunting season, shorter trips around town. I understand the leverage is changed with the distance of the weight, but is this really an issue? There is no appreciable ride height change front or rear, and I have heavy duty tow springs in the rear.

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11474 you have on your 2009 VW Jetta SportWagen is a Class I hitch with a 1-1/4 inch receiver and 200 lb tongue weight (as are all the hitches for this vehicle). The issue is that when using an adapter like the Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver # HTAD it reduces the tongue weight capacity of your hitch by 50 percent. That means your hitch capacity is only 100 lbs, and exceeding that compromises the integrity of the hitch not only because of the added length, which puts stress on the hitch, but also because of the additional movement inside the receiver tube, which causes additional stress.

Thankfully, there is a simple solution that will allow you to use the hitch safely without any type of adapter, and that is simply a cargo carrier rated for use in a Class I hitch. All you need to do is the Curt Cargo Carrier # C18145 which weighs just 29 lbs and even comes with an anti-rattle hitch bolt, saving you an added purchase.

I highly recommend going this route, and have added links to a couple video reviews of this cargo carrier for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S