Hitch and Adapter for 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT to Allow Use of 2-Inch Kuat NV Bike Rack

Question:

I have Kuat Enve rear hitch rack with 2inch mount that I use with one of my cars. I just got a 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT and want to purchase a hitch to use the Kuat rack. Problem is the Vibe hitches are 1.25inch receivers. How do I convert the 1.25inch receiver to my 2inch Kuat rack? Thanks!

asked by: Jeremy

Expert Reply:

Your Pontiac Vibe GT can be equipped with either a Class I or Class II type 1-1/4-inch hitch. Since you want to use your Kuat NV 2-inch hitch bike rack # NV22G you will want to use the higher-capacity Class II hitch # C12221 from Curt. You will also need a hitch adapter to allow the 2-inch Kuat rack to be installed in the 1-1/4-inch hitch.

You can use Brophy adapter # HT5R. This will fit into the class II hitch and provide a 2-inch receiver opening for the Kuat rack. This adapter features 5-inches of height rise to improve ground clearance.

Do note that all such adapters cause you to lose half of your hitch's rated capacity since they move the actual load further away from the hitch tube, increasing leverage on it. This means that the Curt hitch, rated for 250-lbs of tongue weight, will have a 125-lb capacity when the adapter is used. So the combined weight of the rack (52-lbs) and your bikes cannot exceed 125-lbs.

You will also need to use the Curt support strap # 18050 or a similar item to help support and stabilize the carrier as you drive; this is required to maintain your warranty from Curt.