Trailer Hitch Receiver and Bike Rack Capable Of Hauling a 62lb E-Bike with a 2004 Acura TSX

Question:

I have a 2004 Acura TSX and recently purchased an Aventon Level Step-Through e-bike weighing 62 lbs.. Im looking to purchase a bike rack, possibly 1UP USA 2inch Super Duty Single platform bike rack rack weight 28 lbs., with 75 lb. bike weight capacity, that requires a 2inch hitch receiver. The rack has a slot for standard hitch pin holes. Last week I took the first step and purchased from e-trailer.com Trailer Hitch Class I 1-1/4inch receiver #C11455. Will the #HTAD Hitch Adapter 1-1/4inch to 2inch work? I understand the tongue weight will reduce by 50 to 100 lb. total weight capacity. The total weight with rack and bike will be 90 lbs. Thank you.

asked by: Linda H

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Hitch Adapter # HTAD will work with your 2004 Acura TSX that has the Curt Class I Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11455 mounted. You are correct that it will reduce your total tongue weight capacity by 50% giving you a maximum of 100lbs of tongue weight for your bike rack and bike.

I did notice that the Aventon Level Step-Through e-bike has fenders and the 1UP USA 2inch Super Duty Single platform bike rack uses wheel mounts to hold the e-bike in place. If your bike does have these fenders you would have to remove your rear fender for that rack to safely carry your bike without damaging the fender.

I recommend using the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack # TH903202 to carry your E-bike with fenders. With this rack you will not need an adapter so you can haul a 2nd bike with you as well. It also uses a frame mounting system to hold the bikes in place so that you will not have to remove fenders. It can support up to 2 bikes that weigh under 65lbs which you meet at only 62lbs for your bike. The rack itself weighs 45lbs which with 2 bikes of your bike the total weight would put you at 167lbs which is below the 200lbs for your receiver.

Finally you should be using some Auxiliary Lights # C53201 on the back of your bike rack. This will ensure that the vehicles behind you can see a set of tail lights as your tail lights will be impaired by the bike. You will need the Hopkins Active Tail Light Converter # 46255 to give you the 4-way flat connector that the auxiliary lights will connect to on your Acura.