Hitch-Mount Wheelchair Carrier for Use on 2003 Suzuki Vitara  

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Your 2003 Suzuki Vitara can be equipped with either of two different classes of hitch, either a light-duty 1-1/4-inch Class I hitch or a heavier-duty Class III hitch that has a 2-inch receiver, such as # C13517. Please refer to the link provided. If your Vitara has a Class I hitch it will not have the capacity needed to transport a 200-lb powered wheelchair on a hitch carrier. A Class I hitch has a maximum tongue weight capacity of 200-lbs. Tongue weight is the downward force on a hitch.

If your hitch is a Class III-rated unit with a 2-inch receiver you may be able to use a hitch-mount carrier since this class of hitch offers a 350-lb tongue weight capacity. This capacity might be enough to handle the weight of a 200-lb powered wheelchair plus the weight of the carrier, depending on what carrier you choose.

The link provided will let you see all 2-inch hitch-mount carriers that have ramps, such as the Flint Hill Goods 30x50 Cargo Carrier # FHG77ZR. This unit weighs 77-lbs and would allow your total hitch load (200-lbs + 77-lbs) to remain within the capacity of a Class III hitch.

If you have a light-duty Class I hitch you will need to use a trailer to transport your chair. You can check your owner's manual to confirm the towing capacity of your vehicle, but certain Vitara models have a maximum towing capacity of up to 1500-lbs. If your vehicle is adequately rated you could use a small utility trailer such as those often found at outdoor and farm stores. If this option interests you please let me know and I will be glad to recommend the other components you'll need.

expert reply by: Adam R

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