Trailer Hitch Needed to Carry 2 Bikes with a 2006 Scion xB

Question:

Hi, I would like to attach a 1-Up brand bike rack to the back of my Scion xB. Do you have advice on whether I should use a Curt hitch or a Draw-tight hitch. It looks like the Draw-tight needs an adapter. Im wondering if that adapter might put the rack up higher than the Curt? Id like clearance from the road but also would like to be able to open my rear hatch while the rack is attached The 1-Up flips up and also tilts down much like the Kuat rack. Thank you for your time!

asked by: Scott

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are correct that an adapter will need to be used to carry an accessory when the (discontinued) Draw-Tite Invisi-Hitch 28501 is installed on your 2006 Scion xB . This is due to the vertical configuration of the hitch receiver.

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11487 will have less clearance from where the hitch receiver is located, but since your bike rack will install directly into the hitch receiver you will not see as much play. Since the Curt warranty requires a support strap, like part # 18050, to be used it will help to keep your bike rack stable as well.

The bike rack that you have is compatible with a 2" hitch receiver. Since both options are only 1-1/4" receivers you will need to use an adapter like part # HTAD. You will want to use this with the Curt option but you cannot use it with the Draw-Tite option since you will already be using an adapter. The downfall of an adapter like this is that it reduces your Tongue Weight (TW) capacity to 50% which means at the most you can carry 100 lbs of bike rack and bikes combined.

This could be possible but you will want to check the weight capacity of your Scion in your owner's manual to make sure it can be done safely.

Since the adapter will cause your bike rack to have a noticeable amount of play, I recommend looking into going with a roof mounted option instead.