Parts Needed to Tow With 2006 Toyota Matrix XR & Can Bikes be Brought

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Question:

I have a 2006 Toyota Matrix XR and Im preparing to head coast-to-coast with it hauling a u-haul 4x8foot trailer, a couple of bikes hybrid and beach cruiser, and Id like to do it all with a hitch-based solution. Im looking at buying a Kuat Sherpa 2.0 along with a 1-1/4inch hitch receiver no 2inch receiver for a Matrix. I see solutions for a 2inch or 2.5inch receiver search dual hitch but not anything for a 1-1/4inch receiver. Adapting this with a coupler to a 2inch receiver seems like a really bad idea. Is there some good solution to what Im looking at? Max tow capacity of a Matrix is 1500 lbs. The trailer is 850 lbs unloaded. Im looking at a class 2 Curt receiver C12013 and all parts being at least 2500 lbs if not 3500 lbs capable 36065 drawbar, 19258 ball. One bike is probably 23 lbs, the other is more like 36. Any solutions here? I dont want to buy multiple bike racks and Id like to have the Sherpa in the future.

asked by: Jeffrey K

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Expert Reply:

I'll just rip this band-aid off as fast as I can but there is just not a way to use a standard hitch-mounted bike rack and tow at the same time with your 2006 Toyota Matrix XR. The issue, like you said, is the 1-1/4 inch hitch not having an adapter; even if it did though, hitch adapters reduce hitch capacity by 50% so you'd be going over that as well. The only solution would be to add a roof rack and two roof-mounted bike racks, and that's awful expensive for one trip. If you want to do that, let me know and I can recommend the parts if you let me know if you have a bare roof or raised side rails.

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack # SH12G is an amazing rack but there just isn't a way to use it - or any other rack - while towing. But for your trip, you do have the correct parts for your 2006 Toyota Matrix XR, though you do need a wiring harness as well. Here are the parts you need, with the ball mount and ball you mentioned:

- Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C12013

- T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C55522

- Drawbar # 36065

- 2" Hitch Ball # 19258

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

Between the Yakima HoldUp 2, part #Y02443 and the Sherpa 2.0, part #SH22G, I personally like both, however, they are built around different bikes and uses. The Yakima HoldUp is a better rack if you have kids bikes, heavier bikes, or could possibly…

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Answer 2

Hey Tom! At this time, February 2024, we don't have any installation videos of a hitch being installed on a 2024 Kia K5. If we end up making a video it will show up on the page for the Class I Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C58JR, and if…

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Answer 3

The CURT Trailer Hitch, #C11132, will fit all models of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser which would include the convertible. If you plan on doing some towing, the hitch comes with a ball mount, pin and clip. For a ball you can use #19256 (1-7/8 inch…

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Answer 4

Due to the fact that the vehicle is a convertible, and the fact that the rear hatch is so short, a trunk mounted bike rack would not work well on your vehicle. Neither Yakima or Thule recommend a trunk mount rack for the PT Cruiser convertible. Your…

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Answer 5

If your bike has the front brake caliper in front of the bike frame, then the arm of the Kuat Sherpa 2.0, #SH12G, and other platform style racks will be placed directly in front of the caliper. The arm should not be touching the caliper. If the arm…

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Answer 6

Both Class I and Class II trailer hitches have the same 1-1/4 inch receiever opening, however a Class II hitch will have higher towing and tongue weight capacities. The primary issue with using a Class II accessory in a Class I hitch is that many…

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Answer 7

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 8

To install a hitch like the Curt Hitch part #C11681 that you referenced on your 2015 Honda Accord you will need to trim the heat shield. For more info on that check out the install video and installation instructions I attached.

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Parts Needed to Tow With 2006 Toyota Matrix XR & Can Bikes be Brought

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