How Many Bikes Can Be Transported with a Class I Hitch

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Question:

I am looking into bike racks and maximum weight. I have read that a Class I bike rack is best for two bikes max. although I would think this depends on weight, not number of bikes so much, although the torque also matters. If a Subaru Outback 2015 1.25 inch hitch is rated up to 200 lbs total weight, it would seem OK to have a lightweight enough rack Yakima comes to mind with either 3 or 4 bikes even, as long as total weight is below 200 or maybe 150 lbs, no? Why do you recommend just two bikes max? Also, some bikes weigh 35 lbs and some bikes weigh 20 lbs road versus mountain bikes. Thanks!

asked by: Lucien F

0

Expert Reply:

The hitch manufacturers we carry list that with a Class I hitch you can only carry a max of 2 bikes. Like you stated, it's a combination of the additional weight of the additional bikes and the added leverage that weight puts on the hitch since it moved out much further. It may not seem like adding an additional lightweight bike would make a difference, but leverage is a powerful way to apply force.

We realize that people are going to do whatever it is they want with their hitches and bike racks, but we cannot recommend you carry more than 2 bikes with a Class I hitch regardless of the weight of the bikes and rack. The guideline was made as a way to simply prevent people from damaging their vehicles while trying to be as easy to understand as possible.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

Yes, that note is accurate. A Class I trailer hitch receiver is limited to only 2 bikes regardless of the amount of weight it's carrying. This is due to the exaggerated force caused by the additional leverage from the bikes being further…

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Answer 2

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or…

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Answer 3

The bottom of the receiver portion of trailer hitch #24933 for your 2017 Mazda CX-3 will be approximately 9-1/2 inches up from the ground. There are some parts of the vehicle that hang a bit lower on the vehicle itself but as far as at the end of the…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

You can confirm compatibility of the Swagman XTC-2 Bike Rack #S64670 with the rear-mounted spare tire on your 2006 Honda CR-V by taking one easy measurement from the hitch pin hole on your hitch to the rear-most edge of the spare tire. The linked…

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Answer 6

Hey Charles, the best option for an e-bike rack that fits a 1-1/4 inch hitch and is rated for use at the rear of a flat towed vehicle is definitely the Yakima OnRamp #Y96FR. It's actually only option that covers everything you need and it comes…

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Answer 7

The lock plug for the Rapid Podium Feet for Thule Crossbars #TH460R has been discontinued, unfortunately. So, your only option is to use their lock cores #TH450400 to secure your feet.

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Answer 8

The Swagman XTC4 part #S64665 should have no problem fitting past the rear spare of a Jeep Wrangler since it has a decent distance between the hitch pin and nearest wheel hoop edge of 12-3/4 inches but you'd have to measure to verify. Most of the…

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Answer 9

There are several differences between the Swagman XC, #S64650, and the Swagman XTC, #S64670. First, the XC uses a different type of wheel loop than the XTC. While it is a solid and sturdy wheel loop, the ones used on the XTC are not only a different…

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Answer 10

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 11

If 380 pounds is the tongue weight of your trailer, then you are correct. You add the tongue weight of the trailer to bike rack and bikes, and that total is your total tongue weight. Make sure you are within the tongue weight capacities of both your…

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How Many Bikes Can Be Transported with a Class I Hitch

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