Hitch & Bike Rack Compatibility for 1992 Oldsmobile 98 with Class II Hitch

Updated 07/15/2016 | Published 07/14/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(544)

$99.69

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2741)

$134.95

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3349)

$109.28

Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable for Swagman Bike Racks w/ 1-1/4" & Combo Shanks - 7'

(383)

$55.00

Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1951)

$180.06

Question:

I want a 2inch receiver hitch for a 1992 Oldsmobile 98 so I can use my 2inch bike rack on it. does anyone make a receiver with 2inch for this car? I also pull a 1650 pound pop-up trailer with electric brake option. I dont want 1 1/4. Any suggestions?

asked by: Mike L

Helpful Expert Reply:

Only 1-1/4-inch Class II hitches are offered for the 1992 Oldsmobile 98. The reason no higher capacity 2-inch hitches are made for your car is that the frame itself does not have the strength to support more tongue weight or trailer weight.

You can use a hitch adapter like # HTAD to allow you to install your 2-inch bike rack, but note that all such adapters cause you to lose 50-percent of the hitch's rated capacity. So if you have a hitch rated for 300-lbs of tongue weight, when you use the adapter this drops to 150-lbs, so your bike rack and bikes all together cannot weigh more than this 150-lbs.

If you prefer to avoid the adapter (a good idea) then you can install a Class II-compatible bike rack. The linked page will display many such carriers.

One of my favorite recommendations in a hitch rack is the Swagman XC # S64650, which offers a great combination of price, light weight and the flexibility to work in both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch hitches. You can add a hitch and a bike lock # S64031 if you like.

If you need a brake controller I suggest the Prodigy P2 # 90885. As long as you have a working 4-pole trailer harness all you need to install the controller is our install kit # ETBC7. If you need a 4-pole use part # 18252.