Using Hitch Adapter for Bike Rack with 2 Inch Shank in Class I Receiver on 2011 Hyundai Azera LE  

Question:

Expert Reply:

There is an adapter, part # HTAD that can be used to convert the 1-1/4 inch receiver of the Class I hitch so that it will be compatible with your Thule rack intended for use in a 2 inch Class III or greater receiver.

Using an adapter can be problematic for a few reasons. First, using the adapter will add another piece in between the rack and the hitch, moving the load further away from the vehicle. The further away from the vehicle the load is placed, a greater amount of leverage is applied to the hitch. Because this additional leverage can bend the hitch or cause the attachment points between the hitch and the vehicle to fail, the hitch manufacturers state that using an adapter like the HTAD will lower the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent, from 200 lbs to 100 lbs. This means that the weight of your bike rack plus the bikes placed on it can weigh no more than 100 lbs.

Another issue is that having the additional piece joining the receiver opening and the shank of the rack means there is more opportunity for the bike rack to wobble around. This movement can also add stress to the hitch.

For these reasons, I would recommend you consider replacing your existing bike rack with a Class I compatible rack. If you click the provided link, you can see our selection of Class I compatible bike racks.

Due to the low tongue weight capacity of the Class I receiver, the hitch and bike rack manufacturers all agree that any rack used on a Class I hitch should be limited to carrying a maximum of two bikes. Adding a third bike would add leverage as described above.

The Swagman Trailhead, part # S63660 is an excellent mid-priced bike rack that is Class-1 compatible that features an anti-rattle hitch pin and anti-sway cradles that will prevent the bikes from swinging back and forth and hitting each other or the rear of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Mike L

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