Hitch Accessory Questions and Answers

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Lets begin with the trailer hitch. I'd recommend the Draw-Tite Class II Trailer Hitch Receiver. Because you are dealing with two different sizes of bikes, I'd recommend the Sport Rack Escape 4. This rack strikes the perfect balance between features and affordability. I'd also consider getting the SportRack Hitch and Cable Lock, which would safeguard your rack and bicycles against theft.

reply by: Mike

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Does your vehicle already have a hitch? If so, you'll want to measure the distance from the hitch pin hole far enough back to clear the spare tire. The best way to do this is to have a helper hold a 2x4 or a straight edge upright against the spare tire, and measure out to the straight edge from the hitch pin hole. You'll then want to choose a bike rack with a shank length greater than this measurement. Every rack has this measurement mentioned in the product description. If you could give me your measurement, I'd be happy to recommend a bike rack for you.

reply by: Mike

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which of your racks if any) tilt far enough down to enable a back door that opens sideways to open. It would need to tilt to a horizontal position.'

reply by: John

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We have numerous racks that fold rearward allowing complete access to the rear of the vehicle. The Thule 914, the Thule 954, the Sportrack Escape 4,and the Rola TX-104, will all fold at the shank to allow access, but the arms that the bikes hang from also fold for easy storage.

reply by: Mike

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You can use this 1 1/4 inch to 2 inch adapter. However, use of this adapter will LOWER the tongue weight capacity (should be listed on a sticker that is on your hitch) by 50%. This means that the bikes you want to carry and the carrier itself cannot weigh more than half of the listed tongue weight for your trailer hitch. Exceeding this capacity could result in damage to your hitch and loss of the rack and the bicycles.

reply by: Mike

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We offer two different Class I hitches for your vehicle. Either one would work great for a bike rack. Make sure you choose a bike rack designed for use with a Class I hitch.

reply by: Mike

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I always recommend people get the class III when given the opportunity. A class II hitch has a 1 1/4 inch by 1 1/4 inch receiver opening, while the class III has a 2 inch by 2 inch opening. The class II and III have the same towing capacity, but the class III would offer you more options in choosing future accessories, such as a bike rack or cargo carrier. The class III also has a 350 lb tongue weight capacity, vs the class II which only has a 300 lb tongue weight capacity. You'd be able to carry 1 more bike on your rack or another cooler on your cargo carrier.

reply by: Mike

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The bike rack you have is probably designed for use with a Class II hitch only. A class I hitch has a very limited tongue weight capacity, and the manufacturer puts the stop in place to prevent the use of class II accessories. Unfortunately, the only hitches available for your Fit are the class I. Best bet would be to obtain a bike rack that works with a class I hitch, we carry several racks that would work with your vehicle. Keep in mind that the weight capacity will limit you to two bicycles.

reply by: Mike

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The skull hitch cover will work with both the 1 1/4 and 2 inch receiver.

reply by: Mike

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The Sportrack model 30901 will not work with your class 1 hitch. The closest alternatives are the Swagman XTC-2 and the Swagman XC.

reply by: Mike

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As long as the hitch has been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, that 11 inch gap between the bumper and the upright bar of the rack is not a problem.

reply by: Mike

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You've answered your own question, my friend. The size of the ball needs to match the coupler size. If they don't, you could be putting yourself in danger (not to mention those around you.) A 2" trailer ball can be had for less than $10.00, a small price (in my humble opinion) for peace of mind.

reply by: Mike

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Because of its lower towing and tongue weight capacity, an accessory meant for use in a class II hitch cannot be used in a class I hitch. The 'stopper' you mention is a safety feature that prevents the use of a class II accessory. Unfortunately, the only hitch offering for your vehicle is a class I. The Draw-tite hitch will have the same limitation. Your best bet would be to choose a bike rack that will work with a class I hitch. There are a few racks that will work on either a 2 or 1 1/4 inch recevier that will carry more than 2 bikes, but when used on a class I, you are limited to 2 bikes.

reply by: Mike

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As long as the profile of the top of your rail looks like the one in the photo (the one with the red truck bed), the rack will work for you. As you can see in the photo, the bracket is 'C' shaped, and clamps to the lip under the rail. As long as none of this is obstructed by the rail system, you'll be OK.

reply by: Mike

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That lock, the SportRack Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Lock carries a 1 year warranty. The lock actually has a sliding cover which covers the keyhole, which would keep out the worst of the road grime. With normal maintenence , such as you would perform with any lock exposed to the elements (lubricating occasionally with powdered graphite) the lock should last for years. As far as security goes, the lock is strong enough to discourage most thieves.

reply by: Mike

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That bike rack, the 4 Bike Carrier for 2" Trailer Hitch Receivers will only work with trailer hitches with a 2 inch by 2 inch receiver opening, such as smaller SUV's or pickup trucks. The Civic would use a Class I hitch with a 1 1/4 by 1 1/4 hitch opening. Here are some bicycle racks that will work with a class I hitch. Keep in mind that there are some racks listed that can carry 4 bikes, but when used with a class I hitch, you are limited to only two bicycles.

reply by: Mike

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We do offer the replacement wedge for your mirrors. You'll need to input the model number when ordering, so you get the correct hardware. The knob and wedge are sold as a kit.

reply by: Mike

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We carry two kinds of the straps, the Replacement Strap for Thule T3 Cradle for the Thule Ridgeline and Roadway and the Thule Parkway.

reply by: Mike

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The important thing to remember about this Valley Trailer Hitch Ballmount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks or Cargo Carriers is that it is a great product when used correctly. It's critical that you observe and follow the 5000 lb towing and 500 lb tongue weight limit. I don't know how high the coupler of your trailer will be, or at what height your receiver on your Windstar will be when installed, so I cannot say whether your trailer will be level when using this product. I CANNOT recommend using a hitch extender with this product. Doing so could create an unsafe condition that could cause severe injury or death.

reply by: Mike

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Do you mean you are looking for a 9" drop? If you have a 2" receiver, you'll want a class III/ IV ballmount. We have several ballmounts with a 8" drop that have weight ratings ranging from a minimum of 5,000 lbs to a maximum of 12,000 lbs. We also have a 10" ballmount that's rated at 5,000 lbs.

reply by: Mike

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The Rola TX-104 would be an excellent choice. This rack would work for bicycles with top tube diameters of up to 2 1/2 inches. Probably the best features of this rack include the fact that it tilts, allowing easy access to the rear of the vehicle, and the integrated cable lock, that actually retracts into the rack when not in use. Another exclusive feature of this rack is the fact that the Rola TX-104 Bike Rack secures the bike in 3 places. The cradle that grabs the bike's upright bar (under the seat) also prevents the bike rack from swaying back and forth while in transit. For the money and features, it's definitely the best choice.

reply by: Mike

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The SportRack Spare Tire 3 Bike Carrier will work with your vehicle, as long as the center hole on your spare tire measures at least 2" The piece where the rack would install to the base extends out by about 1 1/2 inches. I'm not sure whether or not that would prevent you from using your spare tire cover.

reply by: Mike

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You'd need a trailer ball (the size of the ball will depend on the coupler size of the trailer you are wanting to tow) with a shank diameter of 3/4 inch. For the ballmount that comes with your hitch, I'd recommend the Trailer Hitch Ball 1-7/8" x 3/4" x 1-9/16".

reply by: Mike

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I suppose you could customize the Cargo Carrier Bag, but it is soft sided, not rigid. You could probably rig something up, but I have no idea what it would cost. I will talk to my product expert, however, and see if we can offer a product such as you describe in the future.

reply by: Mike

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I'm going to start by asking a simple question of my own. Are you pressing in on the key as you are turning it? I have tested one of them here, and have successfully installed one by following the directions on the back of the package.

reply by: Mike

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Your bike rack is equipped with an integral anti-rattle bolt. This bolt is not meant to pass all the way through the other side of the receiver. If it's sitting loose in the recveiver, try tightening that bolt, that should tighten the connection.

reply by: Mike

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We have exactly what you are looking for. The Claw would attach directly to your cargo carrier. After removing the front wheels of your bicycle, the forks on the bike would attach to the Claw. To carry two bikes, you'd need two of them.

reply by: Mike

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Here's the ballmount kit that is recommended by the manufacturer.

reply by: Mike

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The LED is not replacable as a regular light bulb would be. It's permanently connected to the circuit board on the inside of the hitch cover. I'd first check your trailer connector, and make sure you are getting power to it, and then test the cover on another vehicle, just to confirm beyond a doubt wether or not the cover itself is defective.

reply by: Mike

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Which bike rack are you speaking of?

reply by: Mike

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Thanks for getting back to me. I am referring to the standard trunk mount 1 or 2 bike rack which is secured to the vehicle with clip straps at the front and bottom of the trunk. I'm thinking that the wheelchair will hang on the racks by hooking the handles over one post and placing the other post through the bend in the frame which turns down to the front wheels. Of course, I didn't have a tape measure when I looked at the rack in the store, but it appears that it would fit. It may hang at about a 2:00 to 2:30 clock angle from upright and, I assume, would need additional straps to secure the chair to the rack. The chair weighs about 45 to 50 lbs. Please tell me if you believe this would work.

reply by: Alan

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It's hard to answer with an exact measurement, as I don't know the specific model of bike rack that you are interested in. I've measured several models that we offer, and the measurements of the distance between the two bars that the bicycle would hang on vary between 11 and 13 inches. I hope this helps.

reply by: Mike

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If I understand you correctly, you have a class II hitch on the rear of a towed trailer? Having a bicycle rack on the back of a towed vehicle isn't a recommended practice. The bouncing that the rack would be subject to can over time damage your bicycles and eventually damage the rack, possibly causing damage and loss of the bicycles. The friction sway control units are meant to be used with class III and IV hitches only.

reply by: Mike

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Either rack should work fine for you. The Thule mentions a 150 lb. capacity, so you'd be close with that one. The Reese mentions no capacity, although it's probably similar. I think you'd be happy with either rack.

reply by: Mike

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As long as you can get within an inch or two of getting the trailer level, You'll be OK. Turning a ballmount upside down to obtain a rise instead of a drop, (or vice versa) is acceptable.

reply by: Mike

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I'm not sure I fully understand your question. When you state "Measure 9 needed to level trailer" I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean that you need a drop of 9 inches in order to level your trailer? If this is the case, we do offer a ballmount with a 8 inch drop, that would work great for you. Since the trailer coupler rides on the round ball, and can freely twist a bit to one side or the other, the receiver wouldn't be subject to any excessive torsion.

reply by: Mike

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At a mininum, to tow a basic trailer without trailer brakes, you'll need a trailer hitch, a ballmount that would place the trailer ball at the appropriate height to keep the trailer level,and a trailer ball appropriate to the coupler size on your trailer. Your vehicle should have come equipped with either the 4 way or 7 way trailer connector on the bumper. If the connector isn't appropriate for the trailer you are planning on towing, we offer many different adapters that would complete the wiring.

reply by: Mike

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When you ask about measuring your hitch, I'll assume you are talking about the size of the receiver (where the bike rack would slide in.) If the inside of the square opening measures 1 1/4 inch by 1 1/4 inch, you have a class I or II hitch. If that opening measures 2 inches by 2 inches, you have a class III hitch. Your hitch should have a sticker on it that identifies the class of hitch, as well. The Sport Rack 2 Bike Carrier for 1-1/4" (Class II) and 2" Trailer Hitch Receivers has an adapter and can be used with either a class II or III hitch. This rack also can be used with a anti rattle hitch lock. If you have a class I hitch, the wheel mount type rack cannot be used.

reply by: Mike

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Probably the main advantage of the ETC-x12 Cargo Carrier is its light weight. It weighs almost half of what the other folding carrier weighs. Everthere is an reputable company, that makes a great product. If you choose this carrier, it should give you many years of trouble free service.

reply by: Mike

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It sounds like you'd need a 2 inch rise to bring your ball up to the coupler so your trailer be level. (I'm assuming you have a Class III hitch with the 2 inch by 2 inch receiver opening.) You don't have to have an exact match, just get as close as possible. If you have a Class I or II hitch, you'll want to use ballmount that the manufacturer recommends.

reply by: Mike

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Using a bicycle rack on a towed trailer is not recommended. The bouncing that would occur will damage the bicycles, and over time, damage the rack, possibly causing you to lose your bicycles while driving down the highway.

reply by: Mike

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With this bike carrier, a frame adapter is the best way to go. This type of rack works best when bike frame tubes are all of the same diameter. This item would work great in the receiver of an RV, as long as it's not a towed trailer, and as long as you do not exceed the tongue weight capacity of your hitch.

reply by: Mike

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We do have a product that might work for you, with a caution. The Valley Trailer Hitch Ballmount with 2" Receiver has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, and a tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs. This means that the tongue weight of your trailer, and the weight of your bicycle rack and all the bicycles on it cannot exceed 500 lbs, or the ballmount could fail, causing injury or death.

reply by: Mike

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You don't mention which trailer hitch that you have. I'd recommend you do the following. Have a helper take a plumb bob (or a string with a weight tied onto the end) and hold it against the portion of that spare tire that sticks out farthest from the bumper, so that the weight is an inch or two above the ground. Then measure back from the hitch pin hole to the string, adding a couple of inches to that measurement, to allow for movement. That measurement is the minimum clearance you would need. The Sportrack offers 12 1/4" of clearance between the pin hole and the upright. The Rola TX-102 Measures 7-1/2" or 4-1/2" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest support bar on the carrier, depending on which of the two hitch pin holes you use. Keep in mind that if you decide to use an extender, you will lower the tongue weight capacity of your hitch by 50%.

reply by: Mike

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The A30901 is designed to work with a Class II or III hitch only, but the 64670 would be the only option for a wheel mount bike rack that would work with a Class I hitch. This rack uses a ratcheting hook to secure the tops of the bikes, which is actually a better system than on the A30901.

reply by: Mike

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Due to its relatively low towing capacity and light weight, the use of a minivan to tow another vehicle for long distances is not a recommended practice. The manufacturer recommends that the towed vehicle weigh no more than 30% of the weight of the towing vehicle. Additionally, the base plates (adapters) that the tow bar would attatch to are not available for the 2008 Focus.

reply by: Mike

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It sounds like you have a at least a class III hitch. All you will need now is a ballmount and a trailer ball. Online, we have a great Ballmount FAQ Page that explains everything you'd ever care to know about ballmounts. You already know that you will need a ballmount that will handle at least 4000 lbs, so now figure out what rise or drop you will need, and what size trailer ball is needed. The coupler on your trailer (the part that would sit over the ball) should have the required ball size stamped on it somewhere.

reply by: Mike

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Unfortunately, I don't have much in the way of information on that particular hitch. Because of this, I can't say with any certainty where the receiver would be in relation to the outside edge of the spare tire on your vehicle. Many times, the manufacturers take all this into account, making sure that the shank on the bike rack will be long enough to clear any rear-mounted spare tires. If you install the hitch, and find you do not have enough clearance, a hitch extender would work. Just keep in mind, using it will decrease your tounge weight capacity by 50%, from 350 lbs to 175 lbs. This means that your bicycles and the weight of the rack cannot exceed 175 lbs. Most 4-bike racks weigh between 40 and 50 lbs, with the average bicycle being around 32 lbs.

reply by: Mike

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We offer a Trailer Hitch Ballmount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks. Before using this item, please pay careful attention to the posted towing/ tongue weight capacity. With this item, you can use any 2 bike rack that will work with a 2" receiver, providing that the weight of the rack, bikes, and the tongue weight of the trailer is below the 500 lb weight limit of the ballmount (Or the tongue weight limit of the hitch, whichever is less.)

reply by: Mike

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Thule, the manufacturer of these bike racks, doesn't recommend the use of a 3 bike carrier on your vehicle. The Thule Speedway Trunk Mounted 2 Bike Carrier would work on your 1994 Quest. If there is a specific vehicle that you are planning on purchasing, I can check the fit on that one, if you'd like. Your other option is to use a hitch mounted 3 bike rack. The hitch would be sold separately. Just make sure you choose the correct rack for the hitch class.

reply by: Mike

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The SportRack Folding Trailer Hitch Mounted 4 Bike Carrier will accommodate bicycles with axle to axle dimensions from 30" up to 58". Just measure the bikes from the front axle bolt to the rear.

reply by: Mike

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The A30901 bike rack will work with the class I hitch on your vehicle. The shank on this bike rack is angled up, to provide greater ground clearance. There will be a black plastic piece on the end of the shank (on the bike rack) that might need to be pushed in so that you will have enough clearance to make the hitch pin line up with the holes.

reply by: Mike

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Many times rental trailers have a 'universal' coupler which is designed to work with any size trailer ball. A 2" is the most common. Without knowing the actual height of your receiver, I can recommend the most popular size ballmount, our part # 2923 ballmount. If you can contact the rental company, and find out the coupler height of the trailer you are renting, I can be more precise with an answer.

reply by: Mike

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The same weight distribution system you had for your old truck should work fine on your new one. Because your new Suburban has a heavier duty suspension, you might need to make some adjustments to the shank and the head, but otherwise, you should be fine. Your old spring bars will work just fine.

reply by: Mike

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The ball hitch you have on the bumper will not be rated for as much as the hitch mounted underneath. Your truck owner's manual should specify how much the bumper is rated to tow. The after market receiver hitches mounted to the frame rails underneath are typically rated around 5,000 - 10,000 lbs towing capacity. We do have ballmounts and balls you can use in your existing receiver hitch to replace the parts lost.

reply by: Heather

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Drilling or modifying the ballmount in any way will compromise its towing capacity and could result in serious injury or death for yourself or fellow drivers. The manufacturer designs the ballmount with the pin hole in a specific place and determines its weight rating with that specification. If you are needing the ballmount to extend further out, I recommend looking for a ballmount with a longer length, or using a hitch extender. With a hitch extender however, I must caution that your tongue weight capacity is reduced by 50%.

reply by: Sarah

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The recommended ballmount for your vehicle is part 2753. This ballmount will place your hitch ball at the most common trailer height for towing with your 2004 Toyota Sienna Van. You may want to double check that this would have the correct height for you, however, because it is just based on the most common trailer height. You may be interested in our information on measuring for the correct ballmount.

reply by: Sarah

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For the Class II receiver hitches the hitch manufacturers recommend the ballmount to use with the hitch. This ensures you have the proper length and height to clear the bumper on the vehicle. Most times you will find this will accommodate pretty much any trailer you haul. If the trailer is just a bit off it should be safe to tow however, more than a few inches you would want to find another ballmount. If you find this is your situation you can read our ballmount information page to help select the appropriate rise/drop.
You can view the hitch options for the 2007 Ford Edge using the link below. Notice for the Class II options the draw bar is either included or a link is provided to the one suggested by the manufacturer.

reply by: Heather

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The recommended ballmount for your 1997 Silverado is part 2753 rated at 6000lbs. This would put your hitch ball at the most common height for towing. To find out if this would be the correct fit for your needs, I would need to know the measurements from the ground to the top of your hitch opening, and from the ground to the bottom of your trailer's coupler. You may be interested in information on measuring for a ballmount.
The ball diameter you will need is determined by the size of your trailer coupler. Your trailer coupler should fit either a 1-7/8" or 2" ball diameter. If you require a 1-7/8" ball, you will need part 19260. If you require a 2" ball, you will need part 19247.

reply by: Sarah

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All you need to do is take a tape measure and measure the size of the hole in your bumper. It will either be 3/4" or 1".

reply by: Amanda

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Typically you want you ball to be around 17" to 19" off the ground. However, vehicle and trailer heights do vary, so it is important to get the exact measurements. A 2" ball is the most common ball size, but again, that will vary. The size that a particular trailer takes is usually stamped on the coupler.

reply by: Amanda

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Thanks for the information.

reply by: Jerry

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The height of the ballmount or coupler is basically irrelevant in a discussion about tongue weight. On a properly loaded trailer, the tongue weight represents approximately 15% of the trailer weight. This can be influenced by moving the load to the front or the rear. The important thing to consider is that you don't exceed the tongue weight capacity of the tow vehicle or the installed hitch. Also, the trailer hitch and coupler need to be at , or as close as is possible, to the same height so the trailer is towed in a level condition.

reply by: Mike

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Hidden Hitch 90650 comes with a ballmount that the manufacturer recommends you use. The only other pieces you would need are the ball and the wiring harness for your 1999 Solara. I would think that you'll need a 2" ball, but you might want to double check the size. The next most common size is the 1-7/8" ball.

reply by: Amanda

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To estimate what size rise or drop you need you will need to measure from the ground to the bottom of the Vue's bumper. Measure also the ground the the bottom of the trailer coupler. Compare the two heights and you will have a pretty good idea what size coupler is required.

reply by: Heather