Using a Bike Rack with 2 Inch Shank In 1-1/4 Inch Trailer Hitch on a 2010 Acura TSX

Question:

2010 acura tsx .. i have a 2x2 bike rack your hitch opening is only 1 1/4 can you help me

asked by: Robert P

Expert Reply:

All of the trailer hitches for your 2010 Acura TSX are Class I hitches with 1-1/4 inch receivers so in order to use an accessory, such as a bike rack, that has a 2 inch shank you would have to use an adapter, # HTAD. But the use of an adapter reduces the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent.

So for example if you used Curt hitch # C11496, which has a tongue weight capacity is 200 pounds. But when using the adapter the capacity will be reduced to 100 pounds. As long as the combined weight of the bikes and bike rack do not exceed the 100 pound capacity you will be good to go.

There is one other caveat with Class I hitches; they are limited to 2 bikes maximum. It isn't a weight issue but a distance issue. The more weight there is further away from the hitch the more stress is put on the hitch and can lead to damage to the hitch and vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H