Can You Use a Class III Bike Rack in a Class I or Class II Hitch
Question:
I have a Thule 4 bike rack with a 2inch shaft for lack of a better word. My SUV has a hitch with a 1.25 inch receiver. I purchased an adaptor, but it extends the rack out by at least 6. Besides purchasing a new rack, is there another solution that you can think of?
asked by: Tom H
Expert Reply:
It sounds like you have a Thule bike rack intended to be used for 2" hitches but only have a 1-1/4" receiver on your SUV's hitch. If you have a 1-1/4" receiver opening you only have a Class I or Class II hitch which is going to limit your options due to weight limits. For instance, a 2" Class III hitch receiver can handle a 2" Class III bike rack (or smaller). However, a 1-1/4" Class I hitch receiver can't hold anything larger than this, so you would not be able to use a Class III bike rack.
If your current bike rack is for a class III hitch, then you will either need to get a class III hitch or get a bike rack that is compatible with your current hitch.
I have included an article that helps you figure out the best bike rack for you, it also shows how to determine what class hitch you have.
If you want to go the new hitch route, you would need to input your vehicle information into our fitguide to get the correct hitch for your vehicle.
The bike rack I would recommend (for your current hitch) if you want to go that route is the Thule Camber 4 Bike Rack # TH9056, which is going to work with a Class I, Class II or Class III hitch. It has a removable sleeve that lets you convert the rack for use with 1-1/4" hitches. The arms fold down for storage, and rack tilts for cargo area access. It has a Carrying capacity of 4 bicycles (only 2 bikes on a Class I hitch) and weight capacity of 37.5 lbs per bike. You will want to make sure you don't have more weight than your hitch is rated for.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Camber Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver Installation - 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: Who to Have Install EcoHitch on a 2015 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: Will Class III Aftermarket Trailer Hitch Increase Towing Capacity for 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Video: etrailer Trailer Hitch Installation - 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes on a 2004 Toyota Prius
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: Trouble Installing Bent Trailer Hitch on Toyota Prius
- Shop: Thule Camber Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Shop: etrailer Rubber Hitch Cover for 2" Trailer Hitches - Qty 1
- Shop: Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Video: Hollywood Racks Hitch Bike Racks Review - 2023 Honda Odyssey HLY94FR
- Video: Hollywood Racks Hitch Bike Racks Review - 2022 Honda Odyssey HLY94FR
- Search Results: racks
- Q&A: Troubleshooting A Hollywood Racks Anti-Rattle Lever That Faces Down
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II Trailer Hitch and Class III Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Will the Yakima RidgeBack 4-Bike Rack # Y02458 Fit a 1-1/4-Inch Class I Hitch
- Search Results: ku74fr
- Search Results: hr200z
- Search Results: hr1000z
- Search Results: hly94fr
- Video: Thule Hitch Bike Racks Review - 2018 Honda Odyssey TH9056
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Video: Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti Rattle Device Review
- Video: Saris Freedom Hitch Bike Rack Review
- Search Results: sa3022
- Search Results: used bike rack