Trailer Hitch and 4 Bike Carrying Recommendation for 2009 Lincoln MKZ
Question:
I am looking for a receiver for my 2009 lincoln mkz. I see you have a Curt custom fit option, but it is a 1 1/4 in. I have a 2in four-bike carrier that I use on my Suv. I understand that I would need an adapter to go from 1 1/4 to 2, but that is my intent. Any advice on which receiver I should go with and any concerns I should be aware of. I have no intent on towing anything, just hauling bikes on the rack. Thanks
asked by: Jason
Helpful Expert Reply:
The Curt # C11329 is indeed a fit for your 2009 Lincoln MKZ. This would work great for you.
You can use an adapter like # HTAD, but there's 2 problems with doing that. Both the hitch and bike rack manufacturers state that no more than 2 bikes should be carried in a bike rack used in a Class I hitch. Adding a 3rd and 4th bike moves too much weight too far away from the hitch receiver tube which can apply enough leverage to damage the hitch or cause the attachment points to the vehicle to fail. Which wold be bad. If you couple that with the fact that using an adapter like the # HTAD will reduce the hitch tongue weight capacity by half to 100 lbs which means that the bikes plus the weight of the carrier couldn't weigh more than 100 lbs which is unlikely.
In order transport all 4 bikes using that vehicle, your best bet would be to use a 3 bike trunk mount rack like # SA803 and carry the remaining bike on the roof. This would save you the expense of the hitch. To do this, you'd need to install a roof rack from the following parts:
Inno 50 inch crossbars, part # INB127
Roof rack feet, # INSUT
Vehicle specific fit kit, # INK546
With the roof rack in place, you could install a bike carrier like the Race Ready # S64705 from Swagman.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Expander
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- 7-1/4 Inch Extension
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1-1/4 Inch to 2 Inch
- Brophy
more information >
Inno Square Crossbars - Steel - Black - 50" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Square Bars
- 50 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Inno
more information >
Custom Fit Kit for Inno XS200, XS250, and INSU-K5 Roof Rack Feet
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 4 Pack
- Inno
more information >
Inno Feet for Square Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Black - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Inno
more information >
Swagman Race Ready Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On
- Roof Bike Racks
- Wheel Mount
- 15mm Fork
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- 20mm Thru-Axle
- 5mm Fork
- 9mm Fork
- 9mm Thru-Axle
- Fat Bike
- Bike Lock
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Standard
- Black
- Swagman
more information >
Saris Bones EX 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 3 Bikes
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Saris
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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