Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2015 BMW X1 to Use a 1-1/4 Inch Bike Carrier

Updated 06/01/2015 | Published 05/31/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(666)

$15.98

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(61)

$229.51

Hitch Reducer 2" to 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(251)

$79.86

Question:

If I install the curt 13140 hitch on my new bmw x1 plus a 2 inch to 1 1/4 inch adapter so that I can use a 1 1/4 inch Thule bike rack, will I need to use the 18050 strap to secure the bile rack? If so can the hook damage the paint on the car or over time put pressure on the sheet metal where it attaches to the suv putting a dent into the X1?

asked by: Martin I

Expert Reply:

First, you can avoid having to use stabilization strap # 18050 altogether by going with Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75761 which does not have a strap requirement. To use a 1-1/4 inch bike carrier with this 2 inch hitch I recommend # HT02. This is called a reducer sleeve and if you use it then the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch is not reduced because no additional stress is put on the hitch from a long adapter.

expert reply by: Michael H