Solution for Using 1-1/4 Inch Bike Rack with 2 Inch Receiver on 2018 Hyunda Santa Fe

Question:

I just purchased a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with a 2inch Hundai factory installed tow hitch. My existing bike rack is a General Motors basic steel product, 1inch square shaft with a 3inch screw type pin I am thinking of buying MT70033 but am unsure if it will accommodate, and WHAT pins should I purchase as well thank you

asked by: Stuart N

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your existing General Motors bike rack is designed for 1-1/4 inch hitch receivers and you are just needing to use it with the 2 inch hitch on your Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. If this is the case, the MaxxTow Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter # MT70033 that you referenced is exactly what you need to make the two components compatible with each other. This will slide right into the 2 inch receiver on your vehicle and provide a 1-1/4 inch receiver for the bike rack.

Just note that using this or any similar adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. For example, if your hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 350 pounds, this will be reduced to 175 pounds when using the adapter. You will just want to make sure the combined weight of the carrier and your bikes do not exceed this reduced limit.

It sounds like your existing hitch pin for the bike rack screws into a threaded hitch pin hole on the carrier's shank. If this is the case, you will need to keep using the current pin with the hitch adapter. This is because the threaded shank on the bike rack most likely is only compatible with the manufacturer's own hitch pins. It should work without issue on the receiver end of the hitch adapter.

I have attached a short video demonstration on the hitch adapter that you can also take a look at.

expert reply by: Chris R