Options for Carrying 3 Bikes on 2004 Mazda 6 Wagon with Class I Trailer Hitch
Question:
Im looking for a 3-bike rack for this hitch on a 2004 Mazda 6 Wagon. I see in an earlier answer that you said any 1-1/4inch mount is limited to 2 bikes, but I see plenty of 3 and 4 bike carriers made for 1-1/4inch hitches on the market. If this hitch has a tongue weight limit of 200 lbs, why would it not be acceptable to use a 3 bike carrier on this hitch?
asked by: Gary
Expert Reply:
I have a solution for you to carry 3 bikes on your 2004 Mazda 6, but it is true that Class I, 1-1/4 inch receiver trailer hitches, like the # C11308 you referenced, are limited to carrying only 2 bikes.
These trailer hitches are limited to carrying 2 bikes due to the low tongue weight capacities of both the trailer hitch and the vehicle on which the hitch is installed. As more bikes are installed on a hitch mount rack, the weight of the bikes is moved further away from the hitch, increasing the leverage placed on the hitch. Because of the increased leverage with more bikes, trailer hitch manufacturers have determined that Class I trailer hitches are limited to carrying 2 bikes.
Class II trailer hitches with 1-1/4 inch receivers are able to carry more than 2 bikes, which is why manufacturers make 3- and 4-bike racks for 1-1/4 inch trailer hitches. Some of these racks will still fit in Class I hitches, but they will be limited to carrying 2 bikes when used with a Class I hitch.
In order for you to carry 3 bikes on your Mazda 6, I recommend using a hitch mount bike rack and a bike rack attached to a roof rack.
For the hitch mount bike rack, I recommend the Swagman Trailhead 2 Bike Rack # S63360. This rack allows you to tilt the unloaded rack forward to better access your vehicle's rear hatch. The anti-sway cradles help prevent bike-to-bike contact during travel and the included anti-rattle, threaded hitch pin and clip help prevent the rack from moving inside the hitch receiver. If you plan on carrying any women's, children's, or alternative frame bikes, a bike adapter bar, like # 64005, may be needed to secure the bikes to the rack. I have attached review videos of this adapter bar and the bike rack for you.
To comply with Curt's warranty on the # C11308 hitch, all non-trailer loads like bike racks and cargo carriers need to secured with a support strap, # 18050. I have also attached a review video of this support strap for you.
For a roof rack, I recommend a Thule SquareBar System. If your Mazda 6 has a naked roof, you can use the Rhino-Rack 2500 Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - 46" Long Item # DS118B. If your vehicle has raised side rails, you will want the 47 inch bars # TH712200 and Evo Raised Rail Feet # TH710401.
A great option for a roof mounted bike rack is the Swagman Upright Roof Bike Carrier # S64720. This rack will hold your bike in place with the upright arm that will clamp around the bike's frame, allowing the bike's front tire to stay on the bike. I have attached a review video of this rack for you.
Another option to carry 3 bikes is a trunk mounted carrier. I really like the Thule OutWay 3-Bike Rack # TH56BV. The rack has narrowly spaced arms for easier loading of bikes and hold fast, anti-sway cradles to hold the bikes secure during transport. I have attached a review video of this bike rack.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 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
- Swagman
more information >
Swagman Upright Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Roof Rack Crossbars - Frame Mount
- Roof Bike Racks
- Frame Mount
- 15mm Fork
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- 20mm Thru-Axle
- 5mm Fork
- 9mm Fork
- 9mm Thru-Axle
- Bike Lock
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Standard
- Black
- Swagman
more information >
Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 3 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 2 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Thule
more information >
Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 47" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Square Bars
- 47 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Thule
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
- No Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Trunk Bike Rack
- Shop: Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 4" Rise - 10" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Shop: Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Thule Gateway Pro 2 and the Saris Bones 2 Bike Racks?
- Q&A: Compare Thule Outway vs Thule Gateway Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
- Q&A: Does Thule Outway Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Fit 2017 Mazda 6
- Q&A: Comparing the Thule Gateway, OutWay, and Yakima KingJoe for a 2015 Subaru Forester
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Thule Gateway Pro 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
- Shop: Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- Search Results: hitch
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Class 1 and Class 2 Hitches for the Scion XB
- Search Results: bike rack
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
on Trailer Hitch
