How Many Bicycles Will a Class I Hitch Support on a Mazda 5

Question:

I have a 2014 Mazda 5, with a Class I hitch. Its rated for up to 200 pounds. Can I still only do 2 bikes? Seems like all of these racks have limitations on Class I. Any insights greatly appreciated... Thanks in advance!

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

Due to the tongue weight capacity of Class I hitches and the tongue weight capacity of the vehicles that require Class I hitches it is recommended to carry no more than 2 bikes.

One of the biggest reasons a Class I hitch cannot support more than two bikes is because of the additional stress that is applied by the third and fourth bike. Adding additional weight further from the back of the vehicle is like adding a pipe to the end of a wrench to create more torque. This will damage both the hitch and your vehicle.

The tongue weight capacity decreases as the load is extended further away from the vehicle. By the time you add the third and fourth bike, the tongue weight capacity will be reduced from the initial 200 lbs.

expert reply by: John H