Can I Slide a Bike Rack Hitch Shank Over the Outside of a Hitch's Receiver

Question:

Do you have the outside width spec for the end of the receiver tube of the C12270 Trailer Hitch? I have a bike rack Im considering mounting on this hitch but it is made for a 2 inch receiver. However I was thinking that I might be able to slide the bike rack hitch base bar with a 1 5/8inch inside diameter over the outside of the receiver tube. I have a 2002 Subaru H6 Outback Wagon, LL Bean Edition. Thank You

asked by: Duane S

Expert Reply:

Curt Trailer Hitch # C12270 is a Class II hitch and has a 1-1/4 x 1-1/4 inch receiver opening and fits bike rack's with a 1-1/4 inch shank.

We cannot recommend that you slide a bike rack's shank over the outside of a hitch's receiver. However we offer adapters so you can use the 2 inch bike rack with the 1 1/4 inch receiver hitch. I recommend part # 80303. This adapter fits Class II hitches.

Please note, using this adapter will reduce your tongue weight capacity by 50 percent. If you have a Class II hitch with a 350 pound tongue weight capacity, using this adapter you will only be able to put 175 pounds of tongue weight on the hitch. This means the combined weight of the rack itself and all the bikes on it must not exceed 175 pounds.

Curt requires the use of a stabilization strap # 18050 to be in compliance with their warranty requirements. The strap supports a non-trailer load (such as a bike rack or cargo carrier) to reduce some of the stress on a Class I, II and some Class III trailer hitches. I have included a link to the strap, as well as an installation video.

expert reply by: Chris O