Can Bike Rack for 2 inch Hitch be Used in Draw Tite Class I Hitch # 24949

Question:

I have a softride 2inch reciever class III bike rack that tilts down to allow the hatch to open. The 2017 VW Alltrack only allows a class I hitch. You recommned the Drawtite 24949. Can I use a 2inch to 1 1/4inch receiver adapter as long as my tongue weight stays under 200 pounds? I plan on ONLY carrying two 27 pound mountain bikes plus the carrier for a total weight of 27+27+40= 94 pounds? Thanks

asked by: Dan S

Expert Reply:

The issue with hitch adapters is that they cut the capacity of the hitch they are installed in by 50 percent and add quite a bit of movement. They really aren't an ideal solution but the part # HTAD will work in a Class I hitch like the # 24949.

You should note too that the weight of this adapter is 7 lbs. So if you add up the weight of your bikes and the rack plus the adapter you are at 101 lbs which would be 1 lb over the reduced capacity of the hitch at 100 lbs.

Your best solution will be a bike rack designed to fit a Class I hitch as-is without an adapter.

The most popular bike rack we carry that has been confirmed to fit this vehicle is the Thule Camber 2 part # TH9058. We asked our demo and install guys to name their favorite, most easy-to-use bike racks and this one showed up in nearly everyone's top three. Check out the review video I attached for more info.

If you plan on carrying any women's or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.