Solution for Bike Rack that Doesnt Want to Fit All the Way Into a Class I Trailer Hitch

Question:

Hello, I installed the hitch to my 2016 wrx and ordered the appropriate bike rack that you guys recommended but it doe not fit into the hitch. The hitch seems to have excess metal or paint in the hole preventing anything from going in. Im afraid to file it down and have it rust sooner than it should.

asked by: Jesse

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you have attempted to install a Class II bike rack in a Class I hitch. This is a common issue. The Class I hitches have a weld stop installed in them to prevent this so that you don't overload the hitch and damage it. Check the hitch tube to see if there's what looks like a weld splatter that's preventing the rack from sliding in. What you need is a Class 1 rack.

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.

expert reply by: Jameson C