Trailer Hitch and Hitch Adapter for a 2017 Kia Optima and 2 Inch Bike Rack

Question:

I would like to mount this #C11402 to our 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. I see it only has a 1 1/4inch but I have a 1 UP USA Heavy Duty Double Bike Rack that has a 2inch receiver. Do they sell one that has a 2? Or should I just plan on also buying a hitch adapter? Thanks.

asked by: Drew

Helpful Expert Reply:

Like you said the available trailer hitches for the 2017 Kia Optima are all Class I hitches with 1-1/4 inch receivers. To use a bike rack with a 2 inch shank you would need to use an adapter. There is 1 adapter that is compatible with Class I trailer hitches and it is # HTAD. Using an adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent.

The trailer hitches for your Optima are rated for 200 pounds tongue weight. When using the adapter the capacity will be 100 pounds. That means the combined weight of the bike rack and bikes cannot exceed 100 pounds. The average adult bike with a steel frame weighs about 30 pounds or so. That means on average 2 adult bikes will weigh around 60 pounds meaning the bike rack itself could not exceed 40 pounds in this scenario. According to the 1Up site your rack weighs 46 pounds.

Also between the 2 available hitches I recommend Draw-Tite hitch # 24965. This is because the Curt hitch for your Optima requires the use of stabilization strap # 18050 when using the hitch with a bike rack per the Curt warranty requirements. Draw-Tite does not have that requirement.

If it were me I would go with a bike rack designed to work directly in a 1-1/4 inch Class I trailer hitch without the need for an adapter. This is much safer and you won't have a reduction in tongue weight capacity. The Curt # C18085 is a great option. This rack weighs just 46 pounds and holds the bikes by the wheels so it is compatible with many bike styles and is rated for 45 pounds per bike.