Recommend Hitch Adapter For Hitch Mounted Kayak Carrier And Hitch Mounted Bike Rack

Question:

I am looking for a hitch mount kayak rack that you can also a bike rack into. I want to have two kayaks on roof and use the hitch mount kayak rack due to longer kayaks, and then use with a bike rack at same time.

asked by: Mike B

Expert Reply:

We do have an option for you.

The option I recommend is adding a front mount trailer hitch receiver to the front of your vehicle to carry your bike rack, or use the Thule GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad and Bike Rack # TH823PRO if you have a compact truck or the Thule GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad and Bike Rack # TH824PRO. The reason for this is that the only way to use a hitch mounted kayak carrier and a hitch mounted bike rack at the same time you will need to use a dual hitch adapter which will have a significant amount of movement and could potentially be unstable.

If you decide to mount both a hitch mounted bike rack and kayak carrier from your rear trailer hitch receiver you will need Darby Extend-A-Truck Kayak Carrier # DTA944-968-924 which is 48" wide and will accommodate the two kayaks on your roof and the Malone 2" Dual Purpose Hitch Receiver # MPG544 which will give you a second hitch receiver to mount your bike rack in.

A few things to keep in mind is that using a hitch adapter will reduce the tongue weight rating of your trailer hitch receiver by 50%, and since the Darby # DTA944-968-924 measures roughly 11" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outside of the upright bar your bike rack will need to measure at least 12" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest inside part to ensure you will not have any interference. Also as I mentioned this setup will likely have significant movement which is why I do not recommend it.

If you can tell me what Year/Make/Model your vehicle is I would be happy to recommend a front mount trailer hitch receiver option.

I included a video of all of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.