Recommended Strong Hitch Adapter For Carrying Heavy 2 Inch Cargo Carrier on 2016 Honda Accord

Question:

I am looking for your strongest 1 1/4 to 2 inch Trailer Hitch adapter. I have a basket with a 2 inch and it is a bit on the heavy side. Thanks

asked by: Antonio L

Expert Reply:

A 1-1/4 to 2 inch hitch adapter like # HTAD is plenty strong in and of itself. The problem is that using an adapter like this moves the carrier rearward which increases the leverage applied to both the hitch and its attachment points to the vehicle. Because of this, the tongue weight capacity of your hitch (maximum amount of weight that can safely be applied to the hitch without causing damage) will be reduced by 50% if an adapter is used. A class I hitch like what's found on an Accord would typically have a 200 lb tongue weight capacity. Cut that by half, you're left with 100 lbs. Deduct the weight of the carrier itself, and you're left with maybe enough capacity to carry your pillow collection.

Long story short, even though the adapter has 300 lbs of capacity, none of that strength is really usable because that nice capacity won't increase the capacity of your hitch or its connection points to the vehicle. A much better option wold be to use a carrier that's specifically designed for a Class I hitch such as the # C18110 from Curt. This carrier offers a generously-sized carrying surface that measures 47-11/16 long x 19-1/2 wide x 2-9/16 inches deep. The carrier features a shank that offers 3-3/4 inches of rise for increased ground clearance. The carrier only weighs 30 lbs, which leaves 170 lbs of capacity free for cargo.

expert reply by: Mike L