Will e78KR Class III Trailer Hitch have Enough Capacity for a 4-Bike Yakima Bike Carrier

Question:

I submitted a question about towing and tongue weight limits for this setup.I neglected to mention that I am only planning to use the hitch for a 4 bike hitch rack. The rack is a substantial Yakima unit that weighs at a guess 60 lbs. Would this be okay?Thanks again

asked by: Kas K

Expert Reply:

The 350 pound tongue weight capacity of the etrailer trailer hitch # e78KR is more than enough for a 4-bike carrier loaded to the maximum capacity. Sixty pounds is heavy for a bike carrier (unless it is a platform carrier) but even at 60 pounds you still have 290 pounds of capacity left on the hitch. To even get to that much weight each bike would have to weigh 72-1/2 pounds. Average adult bike weight is 30 to 35 pounds.

But you will also need to check the vehicle owner's manual to determine its capacities and, if lower, go by the lower rating. If you can tell me the Yakima bike rack you have I can tell you exactly how much it weighs and what its capacity is.

The vehicle that you listed is a 2006 Chevy Colorado. The etrailer trailer hitch # e78KR only fits the 2003-2011 Honda Elements. Let me know if you are looking for a hitch for your Colorado, the # e78KR will not work on it.

expert reply by: Michael H