Solution for Carrying 2 e-Bikes on 2017 Kia Soul with 1-1/4 Inch Class I Hitch
Question:
We have a 2017 Kia Soul with a Curt class 1 hitch, 200 lb tongue capacity with a 1 1/4” receiver. We have a 45LB Thule bike rack with a 2” hitch and 2 45 lb ebikes. Total weight 135Lbs. I see if we use the hitch adaptor, we should reduce the weight by 50. So we should not put any more than 100 lbs on the tongue? Is it not safe to have this bike rack and two ebikes on it? Thanks
asked by: Jeff S
Expert Reply:
Because using an adapter increases the distance between the load of the bikes and rack and the hitch receiver, more leverage is exerted on the hitch as well as its attachment points to the vehicle. This is why the tongue weight capacity of the hitch is lowered by half to 100 lbs. Exceeding that could cause the hitch or the attachment points to the vehicle to fail, which would be bad.
This situation would leave you with two options. One would be to replace the hitch with one that has a 2 inch receiver tube like the EcoHitch # 306-X7326 which would have plenty of capacity and wouldn't require an adapter.
The other option would be to go with a bike rack that's compatible with a 1-1/4 inch receiver so you don't need an adapter. The only e-bike rack we offer that's compatible with a Class I hitch is the Thule EasyFold, part # TH903202. The EasyFold is an outstanding bike rack that can handle two bikes weighing up to 65 lbs each. The rack features an integrated ramp for easy bike loading, and the rack can tilt away from the vehicle with the bikes loaded for easy cargo area access. The unique frame clamps can be adjusted to hold the bike frames from either the top tube or the seat post tube, so it'll accommodate pretty much any bike unless it has a carbon-fiber frame. The rack even has built-in rollers so you can easily transport the rack from its storage spot to the vehicle.
I've linked to some install/demonstration videos that you might find helpful.
If you're happy with your current bike rack, I'd recommend replacing the existing hitch with the EcoHitch # 306-X7326 as the better option.
Products Referenced in This Question
EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- EcoHitch
more information >
Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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