Hitch Recommendation for a 4 Bike Hitch Mounted Rack on a 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander

Published 02/04/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(20)

$401.14

Curt Class II Drawbar - 3/8" Rise, 1" Drop - 7-13/16" Long - 3,500 lbs

(2325)

$31.29

Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(229)

$499.95

Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar

(224)

$38.95

Question:

I am wanting to purchase a bike rack that fits in a hitch so we can haul our familys 4 bikes. And eventually be able to haul a jon boat. I am looking at this one, but somewhere I read on the reviews that with a Class I hitch, I could only load 2 bikes. Draw-tite 60824 Would I be better off going with this one? Curt C12293

asked by: Kathy C

Expert Reply:

I can help you figure out which hitch and bike rack you will need to support your 4-bike capacity on your 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander.

You are correct, a Class I hitch is only capable of supporting the weight of 2 bikes, even if the bike rack is a 4-bike because your limited by your lowest rated capacity which would be your hitch.

I would recommend going with the Class II Curt # C12293 over the Class I Hidden Hitch # 60824. The Curt Class II will give you a maximum of 300lbs tongue weight and 3,500lbs towing, you will want to check your owners manual to see if there are any additional weight limitations.

A popular 4 bike rack that is compatible with the Class II Curt hitch # C12293 is the Thule Apex XT # TH9025XT. The Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR you were looking at will also allow you to carry 4 bikes with the Curt Class II hitch. If you happen to have any kids or alternative framed bikes you will need to use an adapter bar like # Y02531 for them to mount properly.

Since you are wanting to eventually tow your jon boat. Some of the items you will need to do that are a wiring harness like # C55565, a ball mount like # C45503 and a ball. The ball you choose will depend on the size of the coupler on the trailer, some common sizes are the 2 inch ball # 19258 or the 1-7/8 inch ball # 19256.

I have linked all the products mentioned above along with some install videos for your convenience.