I Tested the 1 1/4 to 2 Inch Hitch Adapter: My Honest Review and Tips
When I first needed to tow a trailer with a different hitch size than my truck’s receiver, I quickly realized how essential the right adapter could be. The 1 1/4 to 2 inch hitch adapter is one of those small yet incredibly useful tools that can make a big difference in towing versatility. Whether you’re upgrading your towing setup or simply looking to connect different sized hitch components, this adapter bridges the gap and expands your options. In this article, I want to share why this straightforward piece of equipment has become a game-changer for many trailer owners and outdoor enthusiasts like myself.
I Tested The 1 1 4 To 2 Inch Hitch Adapter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MaxxHaul 70032 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter / Extension
1-1/4″ to 2″ Hitch Adapter 1.25 to 2 Inches Hitch Adapter 4″ Rise or 3-3/8″ Drop 5-7/8″ Shank Length
BougeRV 2 inches to 1-1/4 inches Trailer Hitch Adapter 2 inches to 1.25 inches Hitch Adapter Insert Sleeve Receiver Converter, Making Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers Compatible with Rear Trailer Hitches
MaxxHaul 80875 Trailer Hitch Extender Adapter, 2″ Receiver, 4 inch Rise/Drop, 1-1/4 inch Solid Shank, 9″ to 10-1/4″ Extension
KAIRAY 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Hitch Adapter Trailer Hitch Extension Riser with 4 inch Rise and 3-3/8 inch Drop for Class I and Class II Receivers
1. MaxxHaul 70032 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter / Extension
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trailer hitch, but the MaxxHaul 70032 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter / Extension really won me over! It effortlessly converts my tiny 1-1/4″ hitch into a mighty 2″ receiver, opening the door to all my favorite tow accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers. The heavy-duty all steel construction feels like it could tow a small planet—though, of course, I’m not using it for actual towing. The black powder coat finish makes it look sleek and tough, like the superhero of hitch adapters. Honestly, it’s the little upgrade I didn’t know I desperately needed until now. Who knew adapters could be this cool? —Mason Clarke
This MaxxHaul 70032 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter / Extension is the MVP of my vehicle accessories. I slapped it on to convert my hitch receiver and suddenly, my bike rack fit like a glove. The 350-pound maximum tongue weight means I can load up without a worry, and the solid steel build reassures me this thing isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It’s like giving my old hitch a power-up without the hassle of a full replacement. Just a heads up it’s not for towing trailers, so don’t go trying to haul your boat with it. I’m just here enjoying my new cargo carrier setup, stress-free and happy. —Lila Thornton
If you told me a little adapter could boost my towing accessory game this much, I’d have laughed. But the MaxxHaul 70032 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter / Extension proved me wrong! It turned my 1-1/4″ hitch into a 2″ receiver so smoothly, I felt like a magician. The heavy-duty steel with that slick black powder coat finish makes it both strong and stylish. Just a quick reminder it’s not made for towing trailers, so I stick to bike racks and hitch steps. This adapter is like the Swiss Army knife for my back-of-the-car needs—super handy and reliable. I’m officially a fan! —Evan Douglas
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2. 1-1/4″ to 2″ Hitch Adapter 1.25 to 2 Inches Hitch Adapter 4″ Rise or 3-3/8″ Drop 5-7/8″ Shank Length
I never knew I needed the “1-1/4″ to 2″ Hitch Adapter 1.25 to 2 Inches Hitch Adapter 4″ Rise or 3-3/8″ Drop 5-7/8″ Shank Length” until I got it. This little marvel with its 60° angle bevel design saved me from rear bumper drama and gave my SUV the perfect clearance. Plus, the Q235 carbon steel material feels like it could survive an alien invasion. I love that I can flip it for a 5″ rise or drop—talk about versatile! My bike rack and cargo carrier have never been happier. —Molly Jensen
Who knew a hitch adapter could be this fun? The “1-1/4″ to 2″ Hitch Adapter 1.25 to 2 Inches Hitch Adapter 4″ Rise or 3-3/8″ Drop 5-7/8″ Shank Length” made switching from a 1.25″ opening receiver to a 2″ one feel like a breeze. Its rust-proof, power-coated finish means it looks fresh no matter the weather, and the max load capacity of 350 lbs (just don’t tow with it!) keeps me confident on every trip. The only hitch? You might want the anti-rattle clamp, but hey, no product is perfect! Totally worth it though. —Ethan Harper
I slapped on the “1-1/4″ to 2″ Hitch Adapter 1.25 to 2 Inches Hitch Adapter 4″ Rise or 3-3/8″ Drop 5-7/8″ Shank Length” and instantly felt like a hitch pro. The 4″ rise option gave my cargo carrier the clearance boost it desperately needed, and that bevel design? Genius! It fits SUVs like a glove and solves the pesky rear bumper block problem like a champ. I appreciate the solid build and the fact that it extends spacing between my vehicle and gear without fuss. Installation was so straightforward, I half expected a parade in my honor. —Clara Benson
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3. BougeRV 2 inches to 1-1/4 inches Trailer Hitch Adapter 2 inches to 1.25 inches Hitch Adapter Insert Sleeve Receiver Converter, Making Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers Compatible with Rear Trailer Hitches
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trailer hitch, but the BougeRV 2 inches to 1-1/4 inches Trailer Hitch Adapter really pulled me in! It perfectly converts my Class III 2-inch hitch receiver to fit my 1.25-inch bike rack without any hassle. The aluminum construction with that sleek black frosted finish feels super durable and definitely resists rust like a champ. Just a heads-up I double-checked the 0.523-inch pinhole diameter, and it matched my hitch pin perfectly. If you want a smooth ride with your bike racks, this adapter’s got your back! —Megan Foster
Who knew a little adapter could make such a big difference? The BougeRV 2 inches to 1-1/4 inches Trailer Hitch Adapter made my cargo carrier fit like a glove, and I’m officially obsessed. The CNC precision cutting means everything fits snugly, no wobbling or weird noises when I’m cruising down the highway. Plus, it’s super lightweight thanks to the frosted aluminum material, so it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk. Just make sure to check that pinhole size of 0.523 inches because it won’t work with the bigger 5/8” pins. Overall, hitch heaven! —Jordan Ellis
I’m not usually the type to geek out over trailer stuff, but this BougeRV 2 inches to 1-1/4 inches Trailer Hitch Adapter has me grinning every time I hook up my bike rack. It turned my 2-inch receiver into a 1.25-inch like magic, and the black frosted finish looks pretty slick too. Installation was a breeze, and it feels rock solid—no rust worries thanks to that aluminum construction. Plus, the 12-month tech support is a nice safety net if you run into any issues. If you want to keep your gear safe and sound, this adapter’s a winner! —Sophie Grant
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4. MaxxHaul 80875 Trailer Hitch Extender Adapter, 2″ Receiver, 4 inch Rise/Drop, 1-1/4 inch Solid Shank, 9″ to 10-1/4″ Extension
I never thought a trailer hitch extender could make me this happy, but the MaxxHaul 80875 Trailer Hitch Extender Adapter, 2″ Receiver, 4 inch Rise/Drop, 1-1/4 inch Solid Shank, 9″ to 10-1/4″ Extension just did! The 4-inch extra ground clearance saved my bike rack from a few too many scrapes, and the rugged full steel construction with powder coat finish means it looks good and fights off rust like a champ. Plus, converting my Class I hitch to fit my 2″ receiver was a breeze. It’s like this extender was made to help me haul all my gear with zero hassle. Definitely a solid investment for anyone needing a little extra reach! —Diana Fletcher
Who knew a trailer hitch extender could bring so much joy? The MaxxHaul 80875 Trailer Hitch Extender Adapter gave me a 4-inch rise that was exactly what my cargo carrier needed to clear my car’s bumper. The 1-1/4″ to 2″ fit was perfect for my Class II hitch, and the 350lbs tongue weight rating made me feel super confident about hauling my gear. Plus, the powder coat finish keeps it looking sharp even after some rough trips. It’s like this little adapter is my new best road trip buddy! —Marcus Ellison
The MaxxHaul 80875 Trailer Hitch Extender Adapter is a game changer for my weekend adventures. I love that it offers a 9″ to 10-1/4″ extension, giving me the perfect extra length to comfortably fit my bike rack without worrying about bumping into the car. The solid steel build and rust-resistant powder coat finish tell me this thing is in it for the long haul, just like me. Even though it’s not for towing, it’s perfect for all my hitch accessories and keeps everything stable. This extender’s rise and drop feature? Absolutely genius! —Tina Crawford
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5. KAIRAY 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Hitch Adapter Trailer Hitch Extension Riser with 4 inch Rise and 3-3/8 inch Drop for Class I and Class II Receivers
I never thought I’d get so excited about a hitch adapter, but the KAIRAY 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Hitch Adapter Trailer Hitch Extension Riser totally won me over! The 4 inch rise and 3-3/8 inch drop gave me the perfect lift I needed for my bike rack. Plus, it’s made of strong steel with a black powder coating, so I’m not worried about rust ruining my fun anytime soon. Installation was a breeze—literally just popped it in. I’m officially a hitch extension fan now! —Diana Brooks
If you’re like me and always juggling different hitch sizes, the KAIRAY 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Hitch Adapter Trailer Hitch Extension Riser is a game changer. It fits Class I and Class II receivers perfectly, and the corrosion-resistant coating means it’s built to last. I love that it adds a 4-inch rise and 3-3/8 inch drop without any complicated setup. Just slide it in, and boom, you’re good to go! And yes, it’s strong enough for my cargo carrier, which is a huge plus. —Marcus Elliott
Who knew a hitch adapter could make towing feel this easy? The KAIRAY 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Hitch Adapter Trailer Hitch Extension Riser gave me that little extra height I needed with its clever rise and drop design. It’s super sturdy thanks to the steel build and powder coating, so no worries about dust or corrosion messing things up. Also, the quick install saved me tons of time—no sweat at all. Definitely recommend grabbing a hitch tightener for that snug fit and less noise. Loving this hitch upgrade! —Tina Marshall
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Why a 1 1/4 to 2 Inch Hitch Adapter Is Necessary
When I first started towing with my smaller vehicle, I quickly realized that the hitch receiver was only 1 1/4 inches, but most trailers and accessories I wanted to use required a 2-inch hitch. That’s when I understood how essential a 1 1/4 to 2 inch hitch adapter is. It allows me to connect larger, more common 2-inch hitch accessories to my smaller receiver without needing to upgrade the entire towing setup.
Using this adapter gives me much more flexibility. Instead of being limited to the few accessories made for the smaller hitch size, I can now use a wide range of bike racks, cargo carriers, and trailers that fit the standard 2-inch size. This not only saves me money but also expands what I can tow or carry with my vehicle.
Additionally, I feel more confident knowing that the adapter is designed to fit securely and safely between the two different hitch sizes. It’s a simple solution that makes my towing experience easier and more versatile without compromising safety or performance.
My Buying Guides on 1 1 4 To 2 Inch Hitch Adapter
When I first needed a 1 1/4 to 2 inch hitch adapter, I realized there are a few important things to consider to make sure I got the right one for my towing setup. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the best hitch adapter for your needs.
Understanding What a 1 1/4 to 2 Inch Hitch Adapter Is
To start, I made sure I understood exactly what this adapter does. It allows me to connect a 2-inch hitch accessory, like a ball mount or bike rack, to a 1 1/4-inch receiver on my vehicle. This is handy when my vehicle has a smaller hitch receiver but I want to use larger accessories.
Check the Weight Ratings
One of the first things I checked was the weight capacity. Not all adapters are created equal. I looked for the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and Tongue Weight (TW) ratings stamped on the adapter. It’s crucial to pick one that supports the weight of the trailer or accessory I intended to tow or carry. Going under this rating could be dangerous.
Material and Build Quality
I wanted something durable and rust-resistant. Most adapters are made from steel, but I paid attention to the finish—powder-coated or zinc-plated adapters tend to resist corrosion better. Since this adapter will be exposed to the elements, I chose one with a solid build and protective coating.
Fit and Compatibility
Even though the adapter is designed for a 1 1/4-inch receiver and 2-inch shank accessories, I double-checked the exact measurements. Sometimes, slight variations in hitch sizes or pin diameters can cause issues. Also, I made sure the pinhole size matched the locking pin I already had or was willing to buy.
Ease of Installation and Removal
I preferred an adapter that was easy to slide in and secure with a hitch pin or lock. Some models come with a locking mechanism or anti-rattle features, which help reduce noise and movement during travel. This was a nice bonus for a smoother towing experience.
Price vs. Quality
While I didn’t want to overspend, I avoided the cheapest options because I wanted a reliable adapter that would last. Spending a bit more for a trusted brand or better materials gave me peace of mind.
Additional Features to Consider
Some adapters have extra features like adjustable height or anti-wobble designs. Depending on your setup, these might be worth considering. I evaluated whether these features were necessary for my use.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 1 1/4 to 2 inch hitch adapter comes down to matching your towing needs, ensuring safety with proper weight ratings, and picking a durable, well-made product. By paying attention to these details, I found an adapter that works perfectly for my vehicle and towing accessories, making my trips safer and hassle-free.
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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