Choosing A Hitch Adapter
It's not that hard to select the proper hitch adapter for your scooter or wheelchair lift. What you need to know are your auto's hitch class and the bumper distance.
What is my vehicle's hitch class? It's usually printed on the trailer hitch, but you can also measure it to get an idea what type of hitch it is. The inside of a Class 1 or Class 2 hitch measures 1.25 inches by 1.25 inches. The inside of a Class 3 hitch measures 2 inches by 2 inches.
What is "Bumper Distance"? Bumper distance is the length from the hitch's bolt hole to the rear most point on the vehicle. Depending on your vehicle's bumper distance you should use a different length hitch adapter:
- A short adapter is used when the bumper distance is between 0 and 7.5 inches. This helps prevent the scooter or wheelchair lifts from sticking out too far from the back of your vehicle.
- A standard adapter is used when the bumper distance is between 7.5 and 10 inches.
- An extra long adapter is used when the bumper distance is between 10 and 13.5 inches.
What about an adapter with a drop? If your vehicle's bumper is high off the ground, common on large SUVs and trucks, then you will need a hitch adapter with a drop. This allows the scooter / wheelchair lift's platform to reach the ground. Remember that the maximum travel on most lifts is 19 inches.
If you have any questions or would simply like more information, please give us a call. We are here to help!
