Which Adapter to Use 2 Inch Hitch Mounted Accessories in a Class I 1-1/4 Inch Hitch Receiver

Question:

Can you please tell me what hitch adapter will work for Draw-Tite sports frame trail hitch receiver custom fitClass I 1 1/4 inch Item #24882 Thank you

asked by: Shawn

Expert Reply:

I'm assuming you're needing an adapter that would allow you to use an accessory for a 2 inch hitch in the 1-1/4 inch Draw-Tite # 24882 on your Chevy Cruze. We offer 2 adapters that are compatible with a Class I hitch like what you have. The CR Brophy # HT5R would provide a 5 inch rise for additional ground clearance and their # HTAD is a straight adapter. Using either adapter will reduce the 200 lb tongue weight (maximum amount of downward force that can safely be applied to the hitch) by half to 100 lbs, because the adapter will move the weight further away from the receiver which places additional leverage on the hitch.

This means that your hitch mounted accessory like a bike rack or cargo carrying tray plus whatever is carried on it could not weigh more than 100 lbs. Exceeding this capacity could cause the hitch or its attachment points to the vehicle to fail, which would be very bad. Because of this, I'll typically recommend folks choose a hitch mounted accessory that's intended to be used with a Class I hitch, so they'll get the full weight capacity out of it.

I've linked to demonstration videos for the hitch adapters mentioned above.

expert reply by: Mike L