Advantages of 2-Inch Hitch Over 1-1/4-Inch Hitch for 2019 Mazda CX-5

Question

Question:

Ill be picking up a new car soon a 2019 Mazda CX-5. I want to put a hitch on it and need to choose between a 2inch and 1 ¼. I only ever use the hitch to carry two bikesnever towing. I have a Thule Helium Aero 2 rack. It is natively 1 ¼inch and I use it that way on my current car. But it has an adapter that would let me use it on a 2inch hitch. Which solution would be most stable? My bikes are fairly heavy clunkers and I dont like the rack to sway from side to side. Is a 2inch with an adapter or a 1 ¼inch without an adapter more stable? Thanks.

asked by: Ed S

0

Expert Reply:

We almost always recommend a 2-inch hitch option over a 1-1/4-inch when there is a choice. This is for 2 reasons: the higher weight capacity of the larger size and its broader compatibility with the available range of hitch-mount accessories, more of which are made to fit 2-inches hitches than 1-1/4-inch hitches.

In terms of stability in the hitch your Thule Helium Pro 2 rack # TH9042PRO may be very slightly more stable when used in a 1-1/4-inch hitch like Curt Class II # C12170 that does not require you to use the 2-inch adapter # TH8523185001. In truth, I doubt you'd notice the difference, and so I still tend to favor the 2-inch hitch # 76138 since it has a 675-lb tongue weight rating as compared to the 350-lb rating for 1-1/4-inch hitch # C12170. Either way, you can reduce some of the rack motion by adding a support strap # 18050.

Please note that the hitch you referenced, Curt # C13409, is not a fit for your CX-5.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Answer 1

Some benefits of using a hanging bike rack over a platform bike rack are cost, weight of the rack, and bike capacity. Typically, a high quality hanging bike rack will be more budget friendly than a high quality platform rack. Even on the more…

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

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 5

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

view full answer...

Answer 6

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 7

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 #SH22G and the NV 2.0 #NV22G that you referenced are both excellent platform-style racks that will hold your bikes by the front wheels with no frame contact. These are top-of-the-line carriers and you really would not go wrong…

view full answer...

Answer 8

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

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

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 11

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. 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 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

view full answer...