Hitch Receiver With Expander Adapter Compatibility With Bike Rack

Question:

if I mount a 1 1/4 hitch and mount the 2inch swagman rack semi 4.0 -2inch only with 2 bikes with an adapter. what problems can i have

asked by: Armand

Expert Reply:

When you use a hitch adapter you lose 50% of the tongue weight capacity of your trailer hitch receiver. So, for example if you have a hitch with a tongue weight rating of 200 lbs, then you use an adapter like the expander # HTAD, you would be down to 100 lbs capacity. Then you need to subtract the 5 lb adapter and the Swagman Semi 4.0 2-bike rack # S64698 weight of 65 lbs. That leaves you with just 30 lbs remaining weight capacity for your two bikes which may or may not be enough. If you have a higher capacity tongue weight rating on your hitch then it may not be an issue at all.

You may be better off getting a bike rack compatible with your 1-1/4 inch receiver. I've linked the page to all your options to assist if that is a route you want to consider.

expert reply by: Jason S