Choosing Between a Class II and a Class III Trailer Hitch for a 2007 Toyota Sienna

Question:

We would like to buy a hitch for our 2007 toyota sienna. If we buy one with a 1 1/4 opening and then buy a 2 adapter for our bike rack, would that change the load on the hitch? We are buying it for our bike rack that holds 4 bikes. We are just wondering how much further the rack would extend out from the gate and whether it would be too much load. My husband was hoping that the smaller hitch would be less noticeable. I would like to get a hitch that doesnt require any modifications to the van. Thanks

asked by: Cindy B

Expert Reply:

If you want to use a bike rack that's designed for a 2 inch receiver opening, using a 2 inch receiver would always be your best bet. Using an adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity (maximum amount of downward force that could be applied to the hitch without causing damage) by half. If you used a Class II hitch with a 300 lb tongue weight capacity, using the adapter would reduce the capacity to 150 lbs. This means that the weight of the bike rack plus the bikes placed upon it couldn't weigh more than 150 lbs. Another concern is that using an adapter adds an additional piece between the hitch and the bike rack. This can allow more bounce and movement, which most find undesirable.

Avoiding the use of adapter is always the best practice if possible. I'd recommend going with a two inch receiver hitch, like the Curt Class III hitch, part # C13105. If you look at the photo I provided, you'll see that a 2 inch hitch really isn't much more visible than a 1-1/4 inch receiver.

expert reply by: Mike L