2016 Mazda CX-3 Hitch Recommend and Explanation on How Many Bikes Class I Hitch can Carry

Updated 10/14/2015 | Published 10/13/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(33)

$191.90

Question:

I am getting ready to get a hitch installed to carry my bikes, I have a thule bike rack that carries 4 bikes. I saw in the previous answer the expert said with a class 1 hitch you can only carry 2 bikes. Why is this?

asked by: Kari

Expert Reply:

Class I hitches can only carry up to 2 bikes on a bike rack. The problem is that additional bikes puts more weight on the hitch, but what really is the problem is the location of the weight. The additional bikes end up being so far away from the hitch that the weight gets basically multiplied due to the leverage of the distance.

It is kind of like when you are changing a car tire and the lugs are really tight. If you use an extended breaker bar, it is easier to loosen the lug nuts. The longer the bar (farther away from hitch) the more torque is applied (force applied to tongue) and the easier it is to remove the lugs (easier it is to damage the hitch).

For your 2016 Mazda CX-3 there are only Class I hitches available like the part # 24933. This would be a great hitch to use. If you have a Thule bike rack that can fit a 1-1/4 inch hitch you can still use it, but you will have to limit yourself to only carrying 2 bikes with it.

expert reply by: Jameson C