Trailer Hitch for a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid to Carry Bikes or Cargo

Published 10/20/2015

Products Featured in This Question

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

(127)

$211.02

19x47 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs

(1116)

$196.34

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

(555)

$90.49

Question:

I would like to know which hitch would be best for my vehicle, This is my first Hybrid so I am not sure if there needs to be more consideration for the weight since the battery is in the rear of the vehicle. I want to be able to but a 2inch adapter on it to carry bikes and if I can use my cargo carrier that I have for the Van would be nice also.

asked by: Chuck C

Expert Reply:

Since you want to use a trailer hitch to carry bikes and cargo with your 2015 Kia Optima I recommend Draw-Tite hitch # 24965. This is just a hitch and the mounting hardware. It does not require a special strap for non-trailer loads like its Curt cousin, # C11025.

All of the hitches for your Optima hybrid are Class I trailer hitches which means that for bikes you are limited to 2 bikes maximum even it you used a 1-1/4 to 2 inch adapter such as # HTAD. The problem is that a Class I hitch cannot handle the leverage of more than 2 bikes. Damage to the hitch and vehicle will occur.

The adapter will also reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent. Hitches for your Optima have a 200 pound tongue weight capacity. The use of he adapter takes that down to 100 pounds so the combined weight of the accessory and its cargo cannot exceed 100 pounds.

I recommend products designed for use in a Class I hitch such as the Trailhead bike carrier # S63360 and the Curt cargo carrier # C18110.

expert reply by: Michael H