Can 2" Receiver Adapter Be Added to 1-1/4" Hitch on a 2008 Smart fortwo

Question:

Jon G, Thanks for the detailed answer to my question. I was planning on carrying two adult bikes and a bike rack. I think the total weight of all is close to 100 lbs., so it probably would not be safe. We tow the Smart Car behind a 40’ motorhome. I think I’ll buy a lighter bike rack with a 11/4” hitch.

asked by: Don

Expert Reply:

To convert the 1-1/4" receiver opening on the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11020 for your 2008 Smart fortwo to a 2" receiver you can use the Trailer Hitch Adapter # e93YR.

With that being said, any adapter will reduce the weight rating of your hitch by 50% so if you were to use this it would reduce the tongue weight of the hitch to 100 lbs. Not only that, but since your Smart car has a really short wheelbase the further back you place weight the more impact it will have to the performance of the vehicle and how much pressure that cargo places on the vehicle.

If you let me know what you're needing the hitch receiver/extender for I can see if we have any other solutions that would be a bit more safe for your application.

expert reply by: Jon G

Don

7/21/2022

Jon G.

7/21/2022

Thanks for reaching back out! I have a few alternative options for you - I think you're making the right choice about choosing to not use the adapter. If you want to utilize your current bike rack you could potentially use something like the Gen-Y Hitch Shank # 325-GH-404 and mount the bike rack between your motorhome and Smart car, or you can use a lightweight bike rack with the 1-1/4" shank like what we find with the Kuat Beta Bike # B202-114. For the Gen-Y solution you'll just want to make sure you have enough turning clearance so your Smart car doesn't make contact with the bike rack, and if you go with the Beta it's an excellent base model rack from Kuat that weighs in at 12.6 lbs and has been approved for use at the back of a towed vehicle. You'll just need their adapter bar # UB01 if any of your bikes lacks a horizontal top tub.