Why Won't Replacement 1-1/4" Tongue # 8880581 Fit in 1-1/4" Receiver

Question:

I had U-Haul put on a 1.25 inch hitch receiver on my 2017 Prius. When I try to put the arm into the hitch receiver, it ALMOST fits, but is just a little too big to fit into the receiver. I bought the arm part from you just recently. Is there something that I need to know? I just read about different classes of hitch receiver 1-3, and it seems like the Yakima HoldUp that I have is made for Class III. Any help would be appreciated....this bike rack has been a very frustrating experience for me :

asked by: James M

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you currently have the Yakima HoldUp # Y02443 for 2" receivers then it is for some Class II but mostly Class III receivers. However, since you installed the Replacement 1-1/4" Tongue # 8880581 this essentially made it part # Y02445 which is compatible with 1-1/4" receivers as long as they don't have a weld stop like some Class I receivers have (see attached photo).

If the problem is that you can't get the shank of the bike rack to even start in the receiver then I would measure the opening of your receiver to ensure that it is in fact 1-1/4" square (see attached picture). Sometimes trailer hitch receivers can be slightly smaller or larger and it sounds like your receiver may be slightly too small. You can also measure the replacement shank that you purchase to ensure that it is 1-1/4" square.

expert reply by: Jon G