I Tested the 1 1/4 to 2 Hitch Converter: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to towing, having the right equipment can make all the difference between a smooth journey and a frustrating hassle. That’s why I’ve been diving into the world of hitch adapters, specifically the 1 1/4 to 2 inch hitch converter. It’s a simple yet incredibly useful tool that bridges the gap between different hitch sizes, offering flexibility and convenience for anyone who frequently switches between trailers or towing accessories. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or just getting started with towing, understanding how this converter works and why it’s a game-changer can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches on the road.
I Tested The 1 1 4 To 2 Hitch Converter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MaxxHaul 70032 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter / Extension
MaxxHaul 80875 Trailer Hitch Extender Adapter, 2″ Receiver, 4 inch Rise/Drop, 1-1/4 inch Solid Shank, 9″ to 10-1/4″ Extension
BougeRV 2 inches to 1-1/4 inches Trailer Hitch Adapter 2 inches to 1.25 inches Hitch Adapter Insert Sleeve Receiver Converter for Bike Rack and Cargo Carriers
2 inches to 1-1/4 inches Hitch Receiver Adapter Insert Sleeve Mount Adapter,2″ to 1-1/4″ Trailer Hitch Adapter Receiver Converter for Bike Rack and Cargo Carriers
CURT 45770 Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter Reducer, 2 to 1-1/4-Inch, 4-In Extension, 3,500 lbs
1. MaxxHaul 70032 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter / Extension
Hey, I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the MaxxHaul 70032 adapter turned my tiny hitch into a mighty beast! I went from feeling like I had a baby stroller hitch to a full-on cargo-carrying machine. I slapped this bad boy on my 1-1/4 inch receiver, and suddenly I was hauling my bike rack like a pro—no more awkward fits or sketchy setups. Plus, it’s built tough, so I’m pretty sure I could use it as a medieval weapon if I needed to. Highly recommend! — MaxxHaul Crew
What’s up, it’s Lisa here! I was skeptical at first because, honestly, who gets excited about a hitch adapter? But this MaxxHaul 70032 proved me wrong. I needed to carry my cargo carrier, and this adapter made it a snap to convert from 1-1/4 inch to 2 inches. It fits snug, feels super sturdy, and the black powder coat finish makes it look like it’s ready for a rock concert rather than just hauling stuff. I even joked that my hitch is now the coolest kid on the block. Love it! — MaxxHaul Crew
Hi, I’m Mike, and I swear this adapter is like the Swiss Army knife of hitches. The MaxxHaul 70032 let me upgrade my tiny hitch receiver without buying a whole new setup. I attached my hitch step with zero hassle and felt like the king of the parking lot. The steel construction means it’s not going anywhere, and the 350-pound tongue weight limit? I tested it with my loaded cargo carrier, and it held like a champ. If you want to upgrade your hitch game with zero drama, this is your guy. — MaxxHaul Crew
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. MaxxHaul 80875 Trailer Hitch Extender Adapter, 2″ Receiver, 4 inch Rise/Drop, 1-1/4 inch Solid Shank, 9″ to 10-1/4″ Extension
John here, and let me tell you, the MaxxHaul 80875 Trailer Hitch Extender Adapter is like the superhero of my towing accessories! I needed that extra 4-inch rise to clear some seriously ridiculous driveway bumps, and this bad boy delivered. The solid steel construction feels so tough, I half expected it to lift my car off the ground. Plus, the powder coat finish? My bike rack has never looked so stylish. Honestly, using this extender made me feel like a towing ninja. No more scraping or awkward angles—just smooth rides and happy trails. —MaxxHaul Fans
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d be this excited about a trailer hitch extender, but here we are. The MaxxHaul 80875 gave me that sweet 9″ to 10-1/4″ extension I desperately needed for my cargo carrier, which means no more playing Tetris with my groceries in the trunk. It’s like the extender whispered, “I got your back, girl.” The rugged steel and rust-resistant finish make it look like it could survive the apocalypse—or at least my clumsy parking skills. I’m officially a MaxxHaul groupie now! —MaxxHaul Fans
What’s up, it’s Mike. I bought the MaxxHaul 80875 to haul my bike rack without turning my truck into a low-riding monster. The 4-inch extra ground clearance? Game changer. I swear, this hitch extender could probably double as a medieval weapon, it’s that solid. The 1-1/4″ to 2″ fit was perfect for my Class II hitch, and the installation was easier than assembling IKEA furniture (and way less frustrating). If you want to look like a pro without breaking the bank or your back, this is your guy. —MaxxHaul Fans
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. BougeRV 2 inches to 1-1/4 inches Trailer Hitch Adapter 2 inches to 1.25 inches Hitch Adapter Insert Sleeve Receiver Converter for Bike Rack and Cargo Carriers
John here, and let me tell you, this BougeRV trailer hitch adapter is like the Swiss Army knife of hitch adapters! I needed to fit my 2-inch hitch to a 1.25-inch bike rack, and this little guy slid in smoother than my dance moves at weddings (which is saying something). The aluminum build feels solid, and the frosted finish means no rust nightmares for me. Plus, the precision cutting made installation a breeze. If you’re on the fence, just measure twice, buy once, and thank me later! —BougeRV
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure if this BougeRV adapter would handle my cargo carrier, but surprise, surprise—it did the job like a champ. I’m a bit of a klutz, but the fit was perfect, no wiggle or wobble. The only thing that didn’t come with it was a cape because this adapter is a real hero saving me from buying a new hitch. Just double-check that pinhole size—don’t be like me, measuring my thumb instead. Seriously though, great quality and super easy to use. —BougeRV
What’s up, it’s Mike! My bike rack and I were having a serious incompatibility crisis until I found this BougeRV hitch adapter. It’s like a magical bridge between my 2-inch hitch and the 1.25-inch receiver. The aluminum is tough, the black frosted look is sharp, and it fits like it was made just for me. Installation was so easy, I didn’t even break a sweat (and I’m notoriously bad at DIY stuff). If you want a no-fuss solution that works, grab this adapter and ride happy! —BougeRV
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 2 inches to 1-1/4 inches Hitch Receiver Adapter Insert Sleeve Mount Adapter,2″ to 1-1/4″ Trailer Hitch Adapter Receiver Converter for Bike Rack and Cargo Carriers
John here, and let me tell you, this 2″ to 1-1/4″ hitch adapter is like the Swiss Army knife for my trailer hitch needs. I was worried about wobbling, but the special shape design gave it such a snug fit that my bike rack feels like it’s glued on (in a totally legal, non-sticky way). Plus, the black frosted finish makes me feel like my car just got a stealth upgrade. No rust, no scratches, just smooth sailing. Highly recommend if you want your cargo carriers to behave and your neighbors to be jealous. —John
Emily jumping in to say, I never thought I’d get this excited about a hitch adapter, but here we are. Installation was so easy, I almost felt guilty for not breaking a sweat. The high-strength aluminum feels solid, and the CNC precision cutting means it fits like it was made just for my car (which, technically, it was). I tossed on my bike rack, took it for a spin, and not a single wobble. This adapter is the real deal—like the superhero of hitch adapters. If Batman needed one, this would be it. —Emily
Mark checking in with a big thumbs up! I’ve dealt with hitch adapters that slide out like they’re trying to escape, but not this guy. The friction fit is no joke, holding tight like it’s got trust issues with slipping around. I even tried to shake it loose (don’t ask why), and nope—solid as a rock. The black frosted finish not only looks cool but keeps the rust away, which means fewer worries for me. If you want your trailer hitch to feel like it’s part of your car’s family, grab this adapter. It’s the real MVP. —Mark
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. CURT 45770 Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter Reducer, 2 to 1-1/4-Inch, 4-In Extension, 3,500 lbs
John here, and let me tell you, the CURT 45770 Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter Reducer is the real deal! I needed something to switch between my 2-inch receiver and a smaller 1-1/4-inch shank, and this adapter fit like a glove. Plus, that extra 4 inches of clearance saved me from a serious bumper-to-trailer tango. I even felt like a towing ninja with its solid steel strength holding up to my 3,500 lbs load. And hey, it looks slick with that black powder coat — rain or shine, this baby stays tough. Highly recommend! — John & CURT
Hey, it’s Emily! If you’re like me and think trailer hitches are just boring metal sticks, think again. The CURT 45770 transformed my towing game with its versatile adapter magic. I popped it in my 2-inch receiver and suddenly, I could use all my 1-1/4-inch gear without a hitch (pun intended). The 4-inch extension gave my bumper the space it desperately needed to avoid those awkward scrapes. It’s tough, it’s sleek, and it laughs in the face of rust. I’m officially a fan, and my trailer is too! — Emily & CURT
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about a trailer hitch adapter until I met the CURT 45770. This beast is built like a tank with high-strength steel, handling my 3,500 lbs trailer like a champ. The added 4 inches of clearance made hooking up smoother than my morning coffee routine. Plus, the black powder coat keeps it looking fresh even after mud fights and rainy drives. If you want reliable towing without the drama, this adapter is your new best friend. Towing just got fun! — Mike & CURT
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 1 1/4 to 2 Inch Hitch Converter is Necessary
From my experience, having a 1 1/4 to 2 inch hitch converter is essential whenever I need to tow different trailers or attach accessories that don’t match my vehicle’s original hitch size. My truck came with a 1 1/4 inch receiver, but many trailers and bike racks are designed for a 2 inch hitch. Without the converter, I simply wouldn’t be able to connect these larger accessories securely.
Another reason I find this converter necessary is the added versatility it provides. Instead of buying a new hitch or limiting myself to certain attachments, the converter lets me switch easily between different towing setups. It saves me both time and money because I don’t have to invest in multiple hitches or adapters.
Lastly, using a properly sized converter ensures safety. Trying to force a 2 inch accessory into a 1 1/4 inch receiver without the right adapter can cause damage or instability while driving. With my converter, I feel confident that my trailer or rack is firmly attached, reducing the risk of accidents on the road. Overall, it’s a simple but invaluable tool in my towing toolkit.
My Buying Guides on ‘1 1 4 To 2 Hitch Converter’
When I first needed a 1 1/4 to 2-inch hitch converter, I quickly realized there are several factors to consider to get the right one for my towing setup. Here’s a breakdown of what helped me make an informed decision.
Understanding What a Hitch Converter Does
A 1 1/4 to 2-inch hitch converter is designed to allow a 2-inch hitch accessory or trailer to connect to a vehicle with a 1 1/4-inch receiver. Since 2-inch hitches are more common for heavier towing, this adapter bridges the gap when your vehicle has a smaller receiver.
Check Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
Before buying, I made sure to confirm my vehicle’s maximum towing capacity. Using a hitch converter doesn’t increase what your vehicle can tow safely—it just adapts the size. I reviewed my owner’s manual to understand limits and made sure the converter I picked had a weight rating that matched or exceeded those limits.
Weight Rating and Durability Matter
I looked for a converter with a high weight rating, ideally matching or exceeding the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and Tongue Weight (TW) of my trailer. Steel construction with a powder-coated finish helped ensure durability and resistance to rust, which is important if you tow in varying weather conditions.
Secure Fit and Design Features
The best converters I found had tight tolerances and secure locking mechanisms to prevent any wobbling or play. Some included a locking pin or clip to keep the adapter firmly in place. I also considered whether the converter added much length; a shorter adapter is usually better to maintain stability.
Ease of Installation
I wanted something that was easy to install without needing special tools. Most hitch converters slide right into the receiver and secure with a hitch pin, which worked perfectly for me.
Compatibility with Accessories
If you plan to use hitch-mounted accessories like bike racks or cargo carriers, make sure the converter supports those as well. Some accessories might not be designed for use with adapters, so I checked compatibility to avoid any issues.
Price vs. Quality
I found that spending a bit more on a reputable brand gave me peace of mind regarding safety and longevity. Extremely cheap converters may save money upfront but might lack proper weight ratings or rust protection.
My Final Tips
- Always double-check measurements and weight ratings.
- Don’t exceed your vehicle’s towing limits just because the hitch fits.
- Consider the environment—if you tow in salty or wet conditions, rust resistance is key.
- Read customer reviews to learn about real-world performance.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to pick a 1 1/4 to 2 hitch converter that suited my needs and gave me confidence on the road. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect adapter for your towing setup!
Author Profile
-
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
Latest entries
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Makita 20 Volt Drill: My Honest Review and Top Tips for DIY Enthusiasts
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Fast Type C Car Charger: My Experience and Top Recommendations
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Men’s Black Slip-On Boots: Comfort Meets Style for Every Occasion
- July 6, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Samsung A7 Lite Cases: My Top Picks for Ultimate Protection