Can the Thule Helium Aero 3 be Used to Carry 3 Bikes in a Class I Trailer Hitch Receiver
Question:
After doing a lot of research on eTrailer and manufacturers sites it looks like my best option is the Helium Aero 2 I can buy from a friend. I have a Honda HRV 2017 that can only use a class 1 hitch. Any other recommendations for the hitch mount? I did read one review on the Thule site where someone said the straps/other parts melted in 97 degree heat. Ever heard of such a problem? Planning a trip to Utah and Arizona this summer so don't want that to happen! At some point I may need to get a roof rack as well so would appreciate a recommendation for that too. I don't have roof rails.
asked by: Jon
Expert Reply:
The straight-forward answer is no, you should never carry 3 bikes in a Class I hitch. Any trailer hitch manufacturer will confirm this.
Even though it would seem like using a lighter bike rack like the Thule Helium Aero 3 # TH9043PRO would keep the total weight down, it is more about the leverage than the weight. If you have a Class I trailer hitch receiver that has a 200 lb weight capacity and you max it out with 2 bikes or 3 bikes the 3 bike configuration will not be safe because the 3rd bike will be sitting further away and put too much pressure on the light-duty Class I receiver.
As a result your vehicle, trailer hitch receiver, bike rack, and bikes could all end up getting damaged if something were to happen. I have talked to people who think it would be okay if the bikes were light enough, but it is more about where that weight is being applied - not how much weight. You can use the Helium Aero 3, but only for 2 bikes.
Since manufacturers are the ones who have tested the hitches and they are the ones who have established this rule of thumb it is best to stay within the limits of your equipment. The best way to carry 3 bikes on a vehicle that has a Class I hitch is to install a roof rack onto the vehicle and carry the 3rd bike with a roof mounted bike rack.
If you let me know what the year/make/model is of your vehicle I can make a roof rack recommendations for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Fit Kit for Thule Evo Clamp and Edge Clamp Roof Rack Feet - 5175
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 4 Pack
- Thule
more information >
Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 4
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Roof Bike Racks
- Roof Box
- Roof Rack
- Ski and Snowboard Racks
- Keys
- Lock Parts
- Lock Cores and Cylinders
- Thule
more information >
Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 6
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Roof Bike Racks
- Roof Box
- Roof Rack
- Ski and Snowboard Racks
- Keys
- Lock Parts
- Lock Cores and Cylinders
- Thule
more information >
Rapid Traverse Feet for Thule Crossbars - Naked Roof - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Thule
more information >
Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On or Channel Mount - Aluminum
- Roof Bike Racks
- Wheel Mount
- 15mm Fork
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- 20mm Thru-Axle
- 5mm Fork
- 9mm Fork
- 9mm Thru-Axle
- Locks Not Included
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Standard
- Track Mount - Standard
- Thule
more information >
Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Silver - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 53 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Silver
- Thule
more information >
Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 53 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 16 - 31-1/2 Inch Long
- Thule
more information >
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
more information >
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Jon
7/10/2017
After doing a lot of research on eTrailer and manufacturers sites it looks like my best option is the Helium Aero 2 I can buy from a friend. I have a Honda HRV 2017 that can only use a class 1 hitch. Any other recommendations for the hitch mount? I did read one review on the Thule site where someone said the straps/other parts melted in 97 degree heat. Ever heard of such a problem? Planning a trip to Utah and Arizona this summer so don't want that to happen! At some point I may need to get a roof rack as well so would appreciate a recommendation for that too. I don't have roof rails.