Can Swing Away Bike Rack Be Used With Class I Trailer Hitch Receiver On 2021 Kia Seltos

Question:

Hello, I really want a swing away bike rack for my Kia Seltos but they are all for a 2inch hitch and Seltos doesnt have one. Would it be safe or advisable to use an adapter and if so what would be the best option?

asked by: Amanda S

Expert Reply:

I have another option for you, but using a hitch adapter like the # HTAD will reduce the capacities of the trailer hitch receiver by 50% and since the only trailer hitch receivers available for your 2021 Kia Seltos are Class I receivers with a 200lb tongue weight rating that means you are down to 100lbs available. When you take a way the 5lbs of the # HTAD and the roughly 40lbs of the swing away adapter you only have 60lbs for the weight of your bikes and the weight of the bike rack which will not leave you much capacity.

Instead I recommend going ahead and installing the # DT39MR you were looking at on your Seltos which gives you a 200lb tongue weight rating, and then going with a bike rack that tilts as it may allow you complete rear cargo area access but we have not have a Seltos in for us to test fit bike racks to.

The best options for a bike rack are the cost effective Swagman Trailhead 2 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting # S63360 or the more premium Thule T2 Classic 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" Hitches - Tilting # TH9045. Both of these racks will work with the Class I receiver and allow you to carry two bikes.

I included videos for each of the bike racks mentioned for you to take a look at.