Hitch Recommendation for a 4 Bike Hitch Mounted Rack on a 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
Question:
I am wanting to purchase a bike rack that fits in a hitch so we can haul our familys 4 bikes. And eventually be able to haul a jon boat. I am looking at this one, but somewhere I read on the reviews that with a Class I hitch, I could only load 2 bikes. Draw-tite 60824 Would I be better off going with this one? Curt C12293
asked by: Kathy C
Expert Reply:
I can help you figure out which hitch and bike rack you will need to support your 4-bike capacity on your 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander.
You are correct, a Class I hitch is only capable of supporting the weight of 2 bikes, even if the bike rack is a 4-bike because your limited by your lowest rated capacity which would be your hitch.
I would recommend going with the Class II Curt # C12293 over the Class I Hidden Hitch # 60824. The Curt Class II will give you a maximum of 300lbs tongue weight and 3,500lbs towing, you will want to check your owners manual to see if there are any additional weight limitations.
A popular 4 bike rack that is compatible with the Class II Curt hitch # C12293 is the Thule Apex XT # TH9025XT. The Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR you were looking at will also allow you to carry 4 bikes with the Curt Class II hitch. If you happen to have any kids or alternative framed bikes you will need to use an adapter bar like # Y02531 for them to mount properly.
Since you are wanting to eventually tow your jon boat. Some of the items you will need to do that are a wiring harness like # C55565, a ball mount like # C45503 and a ball. The ball you choose will depend on the size of the coupler on the trailer, some common sizes are the 2 inch ball # 19258 or the 1-7/8 inch ball # 19256.
I have linked all the products mentioned above along with some install videos for your convenience.
Products Referenced in This Question
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt Class II Drawbar - 3/8" Rise, 1" Drop - 7-13/16" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 1 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- CURT
more information >
Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Tow a Trailer with a 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class