Can Travel Trailer Carry a Bike Rack for 3 Bikes Including a Carbon Frame Bike

Question:

We have a travel trailer with a 1.25inch trailer hitch, bolted to the frame on each side. Length is 68 3/8inch frame to frame or was it 63 3/8inch ?. Hopefully it is a semi-standard width. I do not have the dimensions on the holes for the bolts in the frame distance from each other, but could get those easily. My bike rack is a Thule Range, approved for use on travel trailers. However, it is a 2. Right now I am using a 1.25inch to 2inch converter. The current hitch is rated for 130 lbs and I am running a bit over 100 now with the rack and 2 bikes. However, I want to add a 3rd bike in the future, a rather spendy carbon road bike, maybe 20 lbs total. So it is desirable that this system does not fail, to say the least. A couple of questions: 1. Current hitch is rated for 130 lbs. I am below that now at 100+ lbs, but also have the converter. I am adding an anti-rattle clamp. How risky is this? I plan on inspecting closely for any metal fatigue. 2. Does anyone make a similar bolt on hitch with a 2inch receiver? I can do that myself and it may be the most efficient solution. What is on there now looks identical to the Lippert, Item # LC240220, curved, same mounting plates. However, I want 2. Thanks for your help

asked by: Don P

Expert Reply:

Your current setup would need to be changed a bit as hitch adapters like what you are using actually cut the capacity of the hitch they are installed in by 50 percent and also 1-1/4 inch hitches are limited to only carrying up to two bikes due to the extra strain put on them by the third bike and the additional leverage of added length.

You'd have to go to a RV multi fit hitch with a 2 inch opening like the # 13703 so that you could use a rack capacity of carrying three bikes. So with this you could use the 4-bike Thule Range part # TH9057 but to carry the carbon frame bike you'd need a frame adapter like part # Y02531 which would attach to the steering stem and the seat post to give you a level attachment point for the bike rack to attach to that doesn't touch the delicate carbon frame material.

expert reply by: Jameson C