Solution for Adding Ground Clearance for Bike Rack on 1-1/4 Inch Hitch Receiver

Question:

I read your suggestions for the 2” model. Is there anything for the 1.25?’ I have it in the back of a 2016 Passat and it scrapes all the time. :

asked by: Matthew S

Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you, however there is not a high-low adapter like what you were looking at that is compatible with 1-1/4 inch hitch receivers.

If you are needing a rise from your hitch to provide more ground clearance for your Thule bike rack, I recommend taking a look at the Brophy Hitch Adapter # HT5R. This will slide into the 1-1/4 inch receiver on your 2016 VW Passat and it features a 5 inch rise. The 2 inch opening that it then provides on the other end can be taken back down to the size you need with the Brophy Hitch Reducer Sleeve # HT02. This will slide into the adapter to give you the 1-1/4 inch receiver you are needing for your bike rack. There is not a 1-1/4 inch rising hitch adapter available that maintains the 1-1/4 inch receiver opening on the other end, so this will be your best option.

The drawback though with using this or any hitch adapter is that it will reduce the tongue weight of your trailer hitch by 50 percent. This means that if the hitch on your Passat features a tongue weight capacity of 200 pounds, this will be reduced to 100 pounds when using the adapter. You will need to make sure the combined weight of both the bike rack and bikes remains under this reduced capacity.

I have attached a couple short video demonstrations on the products mentioned that you can also take a look at.

expert reply by: Chris R