Use of Any Adapter Does Decrease the Hitch Tongue Weight Capacity by Half
Question:
I have a question about bike racks and hitch adapters. I have a bike rack that fits a class 3 hitch 2 and recently got a different vehicle that has a class 2 hitch 1-1/4. While a class 3 hitch has 500lbs tongue the class II only has 250lbs. A couple adapters Ive come across say that the tongue weight capacity gets cut in half while others such as Curt MFG does not mention this. I have an older Thule 4 bike rack similar to the roadway except it doesnt have the adapter built in. I went from a Jeep Commander to a Lincoln MKX and I really dont want to spend another $200+ dollars to get the rack with the built in adapter. What do you think? Are all adapters the same, will I risk damage? Thanks for all your help, greatly appreciate it.
asked by: John
Expert Reply:
You are experiencing a common dilemma. The use of any adapter does decrease the hitch tongue weight capacity by 50%. If your MKX Class II hitch offers a 350 lbs tongue weight capacity then with an adapter the bikes and rack combined cannot exceed 175 lbs. For most applications this would be sufficient but not knowing your bikes and how much they weight I cannot tell you for certain if this will work.Should you decide to go with an adapter we would recommend an anti rattle lock to secure the adapter to the receiver hitch. You can view our adapters and anti rattle locks using the links below.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver (Class II Only)
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Expander
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- 6 Inch Extension
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1-1/4 Inch to 2 Inch
- Tow Ready
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter - 1-1/4" (Class II) to 2" - 6" Long
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster InvisiBrake Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Shop: Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Take 4 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Shop: 20x47 Reese Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs
- Q&A: Why Does Use of Hitch Adapter/Extender Reduce Hitch Tongue Weight and Trailer Weight Ratings
- Video: Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System Review
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Search Results: drop hitch
- Q&A: Can You Carry More Than 2 Bikes Using a Class I Trailer Hitch
- Video: Rhino Rack MountainTrail Roof Bike Racks Review - 2016 Hyundai Accent
- Video: Swagman Hitch Bike Racks Review - 2017 Hyundai Accent
- Search Results: rhino rack
- Search Results: hitch adapter
- Search Results: ebike carrier
- Search Results: e bike hitch rack
- Video: Yakima HoldUp 2 Bike Rack Test Course
- Video: Yakima Hitch Bike Racks Review - 2014 Chevrolet Malibu
- Video: Rhino Rack Roof Rack Review - 2016 Hyundai Accent
- Q&A: Anti-Rattle Device Recommendation for a Hitch Adapter Used on a 1-1/4 inch Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Roadmaster Quiet Hitch Immobilizer Review
- Search Results: hitch adapter 1 1 4 to 2 trailer hitch
- Search Results: pc2