Hitch Adapter for Class I Hitch on 1998 VW Jetta GT for Use with 2-Inch Thule Bike Rack  

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Expert Reply:

Draw-Tite Class I hitch # 24594 does have an internal tab to prevent use of a Class II accessory but we do offer a 1-1/4-inch to 2-inch adapter that will fit, Brophy adapter # HTAD.

The trouble with using an adapter like this with your 1-1/4-inch hitch and 2-inch bike rack is that the addition of the adapter causes you to lose half of your hitch capacity. This occurs due to the change in geometry at the hitch tube. This extra leverage on the hitch means your 200-lb-rated hitch suddenly has only a 100-lb tongue weight (TW) capacity. This TW has to be enough for the combined weight of the bike rack and the loaded bikes.

You will also find that the additional connection point introduced by the adapter allows for more random motion of the rack when you drive. This concern can be addressed by using a support strap to help steady the loaded rack. We offer Curt strap # 18050 for this purpose.

A Class I-compatible rack that can directly fit your 1-1/4-inch hitch will avoid the cost of the adapter and the loss of hitch capacity. We do offer some excellent value-priced Class I racks; one I really like is the Swagman XC # S64650. Among its virtues are a low price, light weight, 35-lbs-per-bike weight capacity and the flexibility to fit both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch hitches, on either cars or RVs. The price of the hitch adapter, the required hitch pin # PC2 and the strap get you close to halfway toward the price of this rack so it may be preferable in the long run.

For use with the BikeWing we offer hitch lock # SHP2082 and bike cable lock # e98891.

expert reply by: Adam R

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