Can Bike Rack with 2 inch Shank be Used on Vehicle with Only 1-1/4 inch Trailer Hitches Available

Question:

Hi, am choosing a new car and I need to use a 2 inch receiver for my type of bike rack. Models like the Mazda CX3 and Honda HRV seem to only have 1-1/4 inch options. Is this because of their lower towing capacity? I will never tow anything, just carry bikes. Can a 2 inch system fit on these cars if the towing weight is not an issue? Thanks.

asked by: Johnbuck C

Expert Reply:

The good news is that we now have a 2" hitch for your 2017 Honda HR-V. You can use the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom # 306-X7322. This hitch even has a higher tongue weight capacity of 300 pounds. You have a wide variety of choices of bike racks with this hitch. You can choose one that meets the needs of your type of bike.

To answer your questions about adapter., you could try using an adapter like the Brophy part # HTAD, but it will reduce the tongue weight capacity by 50% and increase play in the hitch receiver. This will typically leave you with a tongue weight capacity of about 100 lbs if you already had a 1-1/4" hitch on Honda. It can be difficult to stay under the 100 pounds depending on the bike rack and bikes and the 1-1/4" hitches also limit you to only 2 bikes regardless of the carrier's ability to carry more.

You then could go with a lightweight bike rack that fits a 1-1/4 inch hitch receiver. The Kuat Beta # B202-114 is a great option for your situation because it only weighs 12.6 lbs and can carry up to two 40 lb bikes. Then if you ended up getting a vehicle with a 2 inch receiver down the road you can easily adapt it with part # D101.

.I have attached an installation video for the Draw-Tite trailer hitch as well as a review video for the Beta that you can reference.