Scooter Carrying Options for 2011 Dodge Caliber

Question:

availability of hitch and scooter carrier for 2011 dodge caliber

asked by: Thomas S

Expert Reply:

All of the hitches available for the Dodge Caliber are Class I hitches. A Class I hitch has a very limited tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs (tongue weight is the maximum amount of weight that can be hung from the hitch without damaging anything). We do not offer any scooter carriers that are compatible with a Class I hitches.

The problem you will have is that the weight of the carrier plus the weight of the scooter will exceed the tongue weight capacity of the hitch, which leaves you with two alternatives. You can either use a different vehicle to carry the carrier and scooter, or use a small trailer like part # K2MMT5X7 to transport your scooter.

Using a hitch adapter like the 80303 you mentioned would decrease the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent, to 100 lbs. The adapter actually places the load further away from the receiver opening which places additional leverage on the hitch, kind of like using a length of pipe slipped over the end of a wrench to loosen a stubborn bolt.

expert reply by: Mike L