Explanation of Capacity of Curt D-192 Dual Hitch Adapter

Question:

The product 45792 Curt Dual Hitch Extender for 2inch Trailer Hitches - 8inch Extension states: Maximum weight capacity: 3,500 lbs Maximum tongue weight: 350 lbs Note: Using a hitch extender will reduce your hitchs overall capacity by 50 If my tow vehicle hitch has a capacity of 5000 pounds with tongue weight maximum of 500 pounds, and I want to tow a camper trailer and have a bike rack on the tow vehicle hitch, due to the Note comment above, does that mean the 45792 Curt dual extention will only effectively allow maximum 2500 pounds with 250 pound tongue weight capacities for the trailer being towed?

asked by: Lorri D

Helpful Expert Reply:

As you stated, although the Curt 45792 dual hitch adapter which we offer as part # D-192 has a 3500 lb towing/350 lb capacity itself, using it will transfer the load further away from the hitch which exerts additional leverage on the hitch and its attachment points to the vehicle. Because of this, using the # D-192 adapter lowers the both the towing and tongue weight capacity of your hitch by half. Given the 5000 lb towing/500 lb tongue weight capacity you mentioned, you'll be limited to 2500 lb towing/250 lbs tongue weight.

You might be better off carrying the bikes in the tongue of the trailer, using a bike rack like # LC731138.

expert reply by: Mike L