Bike Rack Compatibility with 1-1/4 Inch Hitch Receiver and 2 Inch Hitch Receiver With Adapter

Question:

Can you buy an adapter for the 1-1/4 inch to install on a 2 inch hitch? My car is 1-1/4 and my wife has a Hondo Pilot with a 2 inch hitch. Also, is the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4inch Hitches - Tilting - Black Item # SH12B expandable to more than 2 bikes?

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" Hitches - Tilting - Black # SH12B is not expandable to more bikes. The bike racks that are able to carry 3 or more bikes with that platform style will only have the 2 inch receiver and I've linked the pages to those racks to assist.

If you want to use a hitch expander you will need to determine if you have a class I hitch or a class II hitch for your 1-1/4 inch receiver. The class I hitch is further restricted and often has a welded plate to keep certain accessories from being used. If you have a class I receiver you can # HT5R or # HTAD. Using an adapter like this will reduce the tongue weight rating of your hitch by 50%.

If you want to use the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" Hitches - Tilting - Black # SH12B which is a great rack you can use the reducer # MT70033 which will still allow you to use the integrated anti-rattle feature. This will also reduce the hitch tongue weight rating by 50% which shouldn't be an issue with your 2 inch receiver and a bike rack.