How to Carry Bikes and Tow Tear Trailer With Vehicle That Has 1-1/4 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver

Question:

I’m trying to find a solution for towing 2 carbon bikes and my tear trailer behind my 2020 Toyota Rav 4. I currently have a 1 1/4” hitch installed. I need recommendations on a dual hitch receiver and a hitch mounted bike rack that still provides clearance for the tear, I have 1500 lbs towing capacity and the trailer is 460 pounds unweighted, with 800 lbs max capacity. My bike weighs 22 pounds. Ideally, the hitch mounted bike rack tilts to give me access to the rear area and is platform or wheel mount style to protect the bikes. Typically I will only be towing the bike rack. But I’d like to be able to bring the bikes when I’m towing the trailer without having to use two different bike racks for these two scenarios. Thank you for your help!

asked by: Brittany

Expert Reply:

So while we have a way for you to carry bikes while towing your trailer, there isn't a dual-hitch adapter available for a 1-1/4 inch trailer hitch receiver due to the lower capacities of those hitches (adapters reduce the capacity of hitches by one-half).

That means you will need two different racks for your bikes, one for when you are towing your teardrop trailer and the other for when you are not. To carry your bikes when towing, I assume your teardrop is an A-frame, and the perfect option that will work wonderfully for your carbon frame bikes is the Jack-It 2-Bike Rack. It holds your bikes by the wheels so there is no frame contact, and attaches where your camper jack is:

- Jack-It 2 Bike Rack for A-Frame Trailers - 22-1/2" Jack Clearance # LC429756

I have added a link below to a video review for you to check out which shows how this rack works, and though it isn't ideal in regards to having a single rack to use while towing and when not towing, it is really going to be the only option for you to carry your bikes since you have a 1-1/4 inch hitch.

Then for a rack that you can use with your carbon bikes that is a wheel-mounted rack which tilts so you can have access to your RAV4's rear hatch the best option is the Saris SuperClamp EX 2-Bike Platform Rack # SA4025F.

The SuperClamp is a great rack that has a lever which allows you to fold the rack up or tilt it down that makes it really easy to use. It also has a shank that rises 5 inches for optimal ground clearance to help ensure the rack doesn't touch the ground, and comes with an anti-rattle lock to secure the rack to your hitch, and an integrated cable lock to keep your bikes safely on the rack.

I have added links below to a couple video reviews for you to take a look at as well if you'd like of the Saris SuperClamp EX 2-Bike Platform Rack # SA4025F.