Options For Preventing Wobble And Rattle When Using A Hitch Expander On A 2022 Acura RDX

Question

Question:

I just recently bought an Acura RDX with an OEM 1.25” receiver. All of my previous vehicles had a 2” receiver, so my tow ball, bike rack and cargo carrier are meant for that size. I don’t tow anything heavy and I’m aware that this vehicle is only rated to tow 1500lbs. I tried a 1.25” to 2” adapter that is similar to this one, but much cheaper Reese and though it fits, it’s not especially tight, so my bike rack bounces a bit, which is more than a little unsettling. I have seen a number of brackets and clamps that are supposed to resolve this problem, but I don’t want to keep the adapter installed all the time and those clamps don’t come off easily. My question is - does this particular adapter fit snugly in the receiver, or are the wobbles just par for the course with this sort of adapter?

asked by: Chris A

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

All hitch expanders, like the etrailer.com # e43YR, will have a little play in them, and especially with this size. This is due to tolerances when building hitches and adapters and needing everything to fit, well, everything. The best way to combat this play is to use an anti rattle device.

With that being said, the anti rattle devices available for 1-1/4" hitches are a little more difficult to install and remove than those of larger sizes. This is due to them being a little less common, so they aren't quite as many options available. Between all the options we have available, I do prefer the Roadmaster Quiet Hitch # RM-061-125 as it does a seriously good job of getting rid of any movement, but it does require tools to install and remove. The # RM-061 will then work on the 2" side to keep everything secure as well.

I do need to mention that adapters, like the # e43YR, do reduce your tongue weight capacity by 50%. I was unable to find the max tongue weight capacity for your 2022 Acura RDX, so you will need to check your owner's manual. As you mentioned using a bike rack and cargo carrier, it is definitely a good idea to double check this. Also, adapters/expanders should not be used for towing of any kind. This can cause a catastrophic failure, so I highly recommend replacing your ball mount with one that has a 1-1/4" shank. If you can tell me the distance from the ground to the inside top of your hitch and then the distance from the ground to the bottom of your trailer's coupler, I can definitely make a recommendation for that. I will need to know what size ball you are using as well.

expert reply by: Lazer S

1

Answer 1

The Draw-Tite Class II trailer hitch part #36114 attaches to the RDX frame member using two weld nuts on each side. I've linked the installation instructions for you as a reference. As you can see in the provided photo, the receiver tube does…

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Answer 2

You may not be able to use an Adapter #e43YR with your Kuat bike rack and the Curt trailer Hitch Receiver #C49CR on your 2023 Mazda CX-30. Since the receiver is rated for 200lbs of tongue weight and the use of an adapter lowers the receiver capacity…

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Answer 3

Yes, we have exactly what you're looking for with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76268. It features the 2 inch square receiver that will work great to carry your bike rack with the same size shank. Please note that this hitch…

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Answer 4

As long as the fender is tightly installed on the bike and the hook is attached to the fender as close as possible to the top tube of the bike, the #BA22B should carry the town bike you mentioned with no problem whatsoever. I spoke with one of my…

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Answer 5

On the Kuat NV 2.0 Base 2-Bike Platform Rack #BA22B the horizontal distance from the hitch pin hole to the center of the nearest bike rail is approximately 14-3/8-inches. The height of the unloaded rack when folded down is 11-7/8-inches relative to…

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Answer 6

The Kuat NV 2.0 part #BA22B is basically the stripped down version of the #NV22B. The differences are that the BA22B has a matte black finish whereas the other rack has a metallic black finish and a stand to work on bikes in the event you needed to…

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Answer 7

There were quite a bit of updates for the new NV which Kuat spent three years working on. One of the biggest differences the new Kuat NV 2.0 part #NV22G has over the previous version is that the wheel cradles can now accommodate tires up to 4.8…

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Answer 8

We do have pictures of a class III hitch installed on a 2021 Mazda CX-9 and I have attached a couple of them. I recommend going with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver item #76020 you were looking at. It is the most concealed hitch option…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 11

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 12

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

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