Class I Hitch Compatible Adapter for Using 2 Inch Bike Rack in 1-1/4 Inch Hitch Receiver

Question:

Hello, I’m looking at the Draw-Tite Hitch Receiver Class I 1-1/4 #24913 for my 2017 Toyota Corolla. I already have a 2” Thule 4 bike rack. I know I will need a reducer and that it will reduce my tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50. I only plan to put two bikes on the rack and the total weight of the two bikes and the rack will be 98 lbs. Do you have a 1 1/4” x 2” reducer adapter that will work with the Draw-Tite Hitch #24913? If you do, do you think the bike rack would stick out too far from the receiver or cause any other problems? Also, I read online that some 1 1/4” x 2” adapters don’t fit all the way into a 1 1/4” Class 1 receiver. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Mike N

Expert Reply:

The CR Brophy 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch hitch adapter, part # HTAD would be compatible with the Draw-Tite # 24913 Class I hitch that you're interested in. Although not typically stated in the instructions for their current bike racks, Thule typically doesn't recommend using hitch adapters. Since you'll be just below 100 lbs, you should be fine, but the best practice is always to use the correct accessory in the correct receiver size. Using the adapter will move the bike rack about 7 inches rearward, which will cause some additional bounce and movement of the bike rack. You'll want to be sure to load the 2 bikes as close to the rear of the vehicle as possible to minimize the leverage applied to the hitch.

If at all possible, I'd recommend going with a rack designed for a Class I hitch such as the inexpensive Swagman Titan 2 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting Item # S63400. This bike rack is compatible with the Draw-Tite Class I hitch you'd looked at, and since it won't require an adapter, you won't reduce the capacity of the hitch.

I've linked to product demonstration/description videos for the adapter and the bike rack I recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L