3-Bike Trunk-Mount Carrier for 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Question:

i have an e-trailer hitch on my 2008 Mitsubishi eclipse. The hitch is a 1.25inch class 1. I would like to add a rack capable of supporting 3 bicycles to the hitch however i notice that most but not all of these racks state that when used with a class 1 hitch the maximum capacity is reduced to 2 bicycles. Do you have a recommended rack compatible with a class 1 hitch that can carry three bicycles?

asked by: David B

Expert Reply:

A Class I hitch cannot handle the load of more than 2 bikes. Unfortunately, no higher-capacity hitches are made for your car since the frame itself cannot support more load than that of a Class I hitch.

The Class I bike carrying limitation has to do with weight load, of course, but even more so with leverage. A larger 3-bike rack would have the last loaded bike fairly far from the end of the hitch tube and this weight + leverage would mean the potential for damage to the hitch receiver or the vehicle frame.

A rack like the Class I-compatible Swagman Trailhead 3 # S63365 will fit your hitch and does offer a 3-bike capacity but we cannot recommend using this carrier in your hitch. But if you were to use this in your Class I hitch it would definitely be best to load the heaviest bikes first to reduce the leverage on the hitch tube.

If you prefer a trunk-mount 3-bike rack you might consider the Hollywood Racks Express 3 # HRE3 if you do not have a spoiler on the trunk. That is the only 3-bike rack that we have. In fact, the # HRE3 is the only trunk bike rack approved for your 2008 Eclipse and it will only work if you have the 2-door coupe.

expert reply by: Adam R