Adapter to Use 2 Inch Bike Carrier on 1-1/4 Inch Class I Trailer Hitch for a 2009 Kia Rio Sedan

Updated 07/29/2015 | Published 07/28/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(15)

$216.11

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

(558)

$90.49

Question:

I want to use my bike rack that I already have. It needs a 2 inch receiver. do you have an adapter to reduce the end of the bike rack to fit the 1 1/4 receiver for the kia rio hitch?

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

You could use adapter # HTAD to go from a Class I, 1-1/4 inch hitch to a 2 inch accessory. However, doing so will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. On your 2009 Kia Rio all the hitches are rated for 200 pounds tongue weight so by using the adapter it would be reduced to 100 pounds. The combined weight of the bikes and carrier cannot exceed 100 pounds. Because of this I recommend a carrier that is designed for a Class I hitch such as # S63360. I have linked a video review for you.

Also, on a Class I trailer hitch you are limited to 2 bikes maximum. This is because a Class I trailer hitch cannot handle the stress of having weight that far from the receiver. It produces too much leverage and will result in damage to the hitch, vehicle, bike carrier, and bikes.

expert reply by: Michael H