Bike Rack for 2018 Ford Explorer with Factory 1-1/4-inch Hitch That Also Fits 2-Inch Hitch

Question

Question:

Our 2018 Explorer has the factory-installed 1-1/4-inch hitch. We have a 2-inch hitch bike rack for our other car and we'd like a 2-inch hitch for the Explorer.

asked by: Harold

0

Expert Reply:

The factory-installed 1-1/4-inch hitch on your 2018 Ford Explorer is welded into the vehicle bumper structure and it cannot be removed or replaced. For the Explorer without this factory hitch there are three models of aftermarket 2-inch hitch that bolt on. These are the etrailer hitch # e98867, the Draw-Tite # 76034 and the Curt hitch # C13386.

What you can do is leave the existing factory hitch in place and select a hitch bike rack that is compatible with both this 1-1/4-inch hitch and the 2-inch hitch on your other vehicle. Not all racks can fit both sizes of hitch but we do offer many that can, including the Thule EasyFold 2-bike platform rack # TH903202 that you were reviewing.

The EasyFold packs a lot of features and flexibility into a stylish and well-engineered product. In addition to compatibility with Class I, Class II and Class III hitches, the EasyFold offers a high bike weight capacity of 65-lbs per bike; it features a loading ramp which is great for handling heavier e-bikes and which stows on the rack when not in use; it handles wider tires up to 3-inches and bike wheelbases up to 48-inches; and it has a foot-operated tilt mechanism for convenient access to the back of the Explorer.

Perhaps best of all, the EasyFold lives up to its name by folding to a very compact size and thanks to the built-in handle and wheels it is easily moved to your storage spot. The rack includes locks for the rack itself and for your two bikes. All in all, this rack is a benchmark product that is protected by Thule's legendary after-sale service and their limited lifetime warranty.

If you absolutely love your current 2-inch bike rack it is possible to use it in the smaller 1-1/4-inch hitch on the Explorer by using a hitch adapter # HT5R. This adapter fits the smaller hitch and provides a 2-inch receiver opening for the rack. It also gives you improved ground clearance thanks to its 5-inches of rise.

The only thing about adapters is that they all cost you half of your hitch's rated capacity since they move the actual load further away, increasing leverage on the hitch. You'll want to check the safety sticker on the factory hitch to confirm its tongue weight rating; also check the combined weight of your rack and both bikes to ensure that total is within the reduce hitch rating. The other bad thing about adapters is that they tend to allow for more motion of the rack as you drive; this can be addressed with support straps like # 18050.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Answer 1

It sounds like you are describing Curt stabilization strap #18050. It is used to take some of the stress off of the trailer hitch. I have linked a video showing how this strap works and it sounds like what you are describing.

view full answer...

Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 5

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

view full answer...

Answer 7

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

view full answer...

Answer 9

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

view full answer...

Answer 10

You are correct that this refrigerator does not have an ON/OFF switch or function. The best you can do is "Standby" that draws an unknown amount of power. One option is to pull the 12-Volt fuse at the RV power center. A much better option…

view full answer...

Answer 11

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

Answer 12

To replace your NOK AD2527E seal you can use #168233. It has an inner diameter of 1.688 inches and an outer diameter of 2.332 inches. Based on what I could find on the NOK AD2527E the inner diameter is the same and the outer diameter is 2.328 inches.…

view full answer...