Can a Hitch Extender be Used with Malone Hanger Bike Rack on a 2005 Hyundai Tucson

Question:

I bought and installed the Curt Trailer Hitch receiver Item 13526 on my 2005 Hyundai Tucson. I also bought the Malone Hanger 4 Bike Item MPG2124. The issue I have is that the bike rack can fully slide into the trailer hitch because it is contacting the rear hatch, it is about an inch short of lining up the holes so I can and secure the pin. Can I use a Curt Hitch Extender Item C45791 to be able move the hitch far enough out to install the bike rack? I understand it cuts the capacity down by 50, even with four bikes the weight will be under 130lbs which should still fall safely within the capacity of the modified hitch.

asked by: Steve S

Expert Reply:

That Malone bike rack MPG2124 really does have sort of a backwards lean doesn't it. I looked through the literature for the bike rack and there is nothing stating that you can't use an extension and since that is the only way the rack will clear the back of your 2005 Hyundai Tucson you would have to use an extension.

Like you said, the use of an extension reduces the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. For hitch # 13526 the tongue weight capacity is normally 350 pounds so when using an extender the capacity will be reduced to 175 pounds. You mentioned that your total weight is around 130 pounds so you are still within the capacity of the hitch. The rack itself weighs 22 pounds and is rated for 33 pounds per bike. So even if loaded to capacity the total weight would be 154 pounds which is still under the reduced capacity!

The Curt extender # C45791 can be used or you can save some money and use the etrailer version # e88YR. You will also need another hitch pin, # PC3, but I really recommend a locking pin, # e98880 to deter theft.