What Does It Mean When A Hitch Accessory Says Good For Class II 1-1/4 Inch Only
Question:
what do they mean when saying good for 1 1/4 class ll only
asked by: Maria
Expert Reply:
A 1-1/4 inch size hitch comes in two different classes, Class I and Class II. The class rating is the weight capacity of that hitch. The difference is a Class I hitch has a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. and a tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs. and a Class II hitch has a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. and a tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs.
The tongue weight capacity is what is used when using a hitch accessory on a trailer hitch.
You would think that any hitch accessory with an 1-1/4 inch size shank would work in either a Class I or Class II trailer hitch, but this is not the case. Many hitch accessories are designed to maximize the tongue weight capacities of the different trailer hitches. To keep a user from overloading a Class I hitch, Class II hitch accessories, like a bike rack, are designed to not fit. Manufacturers accomplish this by placing a stopper in the back of a Class I hitch receiver so the hitch accessory shank can only slide into the trailer hitch opening so far.
On hitch accessories designed for Class II trailer hitches, the shank that slides into the hitch opening is longer. When this longer shank is slid into a Class I hitch, it will hit the stopper and the pin hole on the hitch will not line up with the pin hole on the class II accessory.
So when the hitch accessory says good for Class II only, it means it may not fit a Class I hitch. You can however use any Class I hitch accessory in a Class II trailer hitch.
The Thule Hitch Bike Rack, # TH9043PRO, will work on a Class I hitch, but you will be limited to only carrying two (37.5 lb) bikes.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Helium Pro Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 3 Bikes
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
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