Choosing Between 1-1/4-Inch Class II Hitch and 2-Inch Class III Hitch for 2014 Mazda CX-5

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Question:

Id like to know the weight difference between the 2inch and 11/4 inch curt hitches for a Mazda CX-5. Dont need the capacity of the 2inch but my bike carrier, etc. are 2. Hate to carry alot of extra weight for everyday use if there is a lot of difference. Shipping weight difference is only 2 pounds, but want to know actual weights. Thanks.

asked by: Doug J

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Expert Reply:

The actual weight difference between the Class III hitches for your CX-5 and the 1-1/4-inch Class II hitches like # C12170 is the same 3-lb difference as between their shipping weights. The weight of the packaging for both hitch classes is essentially identical.

A far more important consideration for your application with a 2-inch bike carrier is the hitch's tongue weight capacity, which is 525-lbs for a 2-inch Class III hitch and 350-lbs for a 1-1/4-inch Class II hitch. For your application with a 2-inch hitch-mount bike rack you definitely will be better served by one of the Class III hitches, such as the # 76138 from Draw-Tite.

The reason for using a 2-inch hitch is that your 2-inch bike carrier will not fit into a 1-1/4-inch Class II hitch without using an adapter. Although these hitch adapters are readily available, they all have the unavoidable side-effect of cutting the hitch's capacity in half, meaning that your 350-lb-rated 1-1/4-inch hitch will suddenly have only a 175-lb tongue weight capacity. This is not enough for many combinations of hitch-mount carriers and bikes.

If you use one of the higher-rated 2-inch Class III hitches you can install your bike rack without an adapter and this means that you will retain the full 525-lb tongue weight rating of the Class III hitches. If you happen to have a high-capacity (and heavy) platform-style bike rack such as the Thule T2 Classic # TH69TX that weights about 100-lbs all by itself, you cannot safely use this rack to its full 4-bike capacity with a hitch adapter in a Class II hitch.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Answer 1

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

We do have a 2 inch diameter hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank that may work well for you. It is the Curt Hitch Ball, part #A-90. This hitch ball has a shank length of 2-5/8 inches and has a gross towing weight capacity of 10,000 lbs. I have…

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Answer 4

The EcoHitch part #306-X7391 that you referenced was confirmed as a fit for your 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition and is the most hidden option so it would be the way to go. We also have confirmed that the Curt hitch #C13409 does fit the…

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Answer 5

The hitch is indeed a fit for your vehicle. We've had several reports that the sensor was almost completely unaffected and others that said it won't work at all once the hitch was installed, and some who have said that the feature isn't…

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Answer 6

What sets the EcoHitch #306-X7391 receiver apart from the other two options is that it's going to be completely hidden behind your bumper. The only portion that is visible is the 2 inch square receiver. So, if looks are important to you, this is…

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Answer 7

I spoke with Lippert about the Trailer Hitch Receiver for Vanleigh 5th Wheel Trailers part #LC730647 and they said this would work on your 2018 Vanleigh Vilano if the distance between your two frame rails inside to inside is 72". If this…

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Answer 8

To know which adjustable width trailer hitch will fit your 2022 Vanleigh RV Beacon 39FBB fifth wheel trailer you'll need to measure the distance between the inside of your frame rails. The Curt Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs…

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Answer 9

All of the trailer hitches for your 2006 Toyota Sienna are going to sit in the same area. You'll get slightly better ground clearance from a hitch with an 1-1/4" receiver and when the installed the Curt #C12065 and Draw-Tite #36513 Class II…

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Answer 10

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 11

Unfortunately, we don't offer a 2 inch receiver hitch for your 2007 Toyota Corolla. The only hitch option we offer would be a Class I hitch like the Curt #C11265. Other than the Thule #TH903202 EasyFold bike rack you'd looked at, the most…

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Answer 12

Overall I prefer to recommend 2 inch hitches whenever available as they have better capacities and also have more accessories made for them. I really like the Curt Hitch #CU64FR for your 2017 Subaru Forester as it has the 2 inch opening and also is…

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Choosing Between 1-1/4-Inch Class II Hitch and 2-Inch Class III Hitch for 2014 Mazda CX-5

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