Using a 2 Inch Bike Rack on a 2017 Buick Encore with 1-1/4 Inch Trailer Hitch

Question:

I really want to find a 2 Inch hitch from my 2017 Buick Encore. All I see is 1-1/4 Inch hitch openings. Can you help? I have the Pro-Series 63138 Q-Slot 4-Bike Carrier.

asked by: Robert

Expert Reply:

Like you said there are only 1-1/4 inch hitches for your 2017 Buick Encore. In fact, there is only one available for your Encore. You could use Curt hitch # C11527 with adapter # HTAD to use a 2 inch bike rack. However, the use of the adapter reduces the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch from 200 pounds down to 100 pounds.

The Q Slot PS63138 weighs about 65 pounds meaning you will only have 35 pounds of capacity left over. As long as the combined weight of the bikes is less than 35 pounds you would be within capacity, but this does not seem like a wise setup.

Furthermore, since the Curt hitch # C11527 is a class one hitch, you will be limited to carrying only 2 bikes on your carrier even it has the capability to carry more. Class one hitches can only carry two bikes, additional bikes place too much downward force that is too far away from the hitch. The hitch could fail in this situation.

expert reply by: Michael H