Weight Capacity of Malone MPG544 2 Inch Dual Purpose Hitch Receiver

Question:

Hello, I currently have a motorized wheelchair carrier attached to it. I estimate the total weight with the mobility scooter is about 200 lbs. I hate to remove and replace this carrier when I am hauling my recycled water trrailer. Would the top accessoryinch receiver be strong enough for the scooter and wheelchair carrier without reinforcement e.g. welding a 1/8 inch plate on both sides of the riser? Thanks

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

The # MPG544 itself can handle 400 lbs of weight, but because an adapter/extender like the # MPG544 moves the load further away from the receiver tube it increases the leverage applied to the hitch. Because of that, using an adapter or extender will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent. For instance, if the hitch tongue weight capacity is 400 lbs, using the # MPG544 would reduce that figure to 200 lbs, which means that any hitch accessories plus any cargo placed on them couldn't exceed the 200 lb figure.

Reinforcing the Dual Purpose Hitch Receiver wouldn't solve the problem, because if the leverage applied to the trailer hitch becomes too extreme it can bend or hitch attachment points to the vehicle can fail.

expert reply by: Mike L