Support Straps for Hitch Bike Rack Used in Hitch Adapter

Question:

Hi, I have a 1999 Mitsubishi Montero, I will be ordering a 2’ hitch but I am also interested in raising the height of a bike rack. I understand that this adapter will lower the tongue weight by 50, can I still use my KUAT NV 4 bike rack, it will be loaded with 4 mountain bikes. Each bike weighs aprox 27 lbs and the rack is about 90 lbs. The hitch has a 400 lbs tongue weight rating.

asked by: Ricardo R

Expert Reply:

You are correct that using a hitch adapter such as the Malone # MPG544 will cut your hitch's capacity in half, down to 200-lbs tongue weight. Your bike and carrier combined weight of approximately 198-lbs is within this reduced limit but I do recommend you add support straps to both help support and steady the loaded rack while you're traveling.

The Montero's roof gives you good tie down points for a couple of straps like # 18050 or # E98876. I recommend using two so that both ends of the rack can be supported. These simple straps will do a lot to reduce the stresses on the hitch.

expert reply by: Adam R