Recommended Hitch Adapter to Allow Use of 2-Inch Kuat Bike Rack in Class I Hitch on 2015 Acura TLX  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hitch adapters like # HT5R are available to allow use of a 2-inch hitch accessory in a 1-1/4-inch hitch. And this particular product also provides 5-inches of height rise to improve ground clearance.

BUT...there's always one of those...use of ANY hitch adapter causes the unavoidable side-effect of reducing your hitch's rated tongue weight (TW) capacity. This loss of capacity results from the increased distance between the hitch tube and the actual rack. The greater distance means more leverage will be applied to the hitch and this is why the TW capacity drops by 50-percent.

Since the hitches made for your 2015 Acura TLX are the light-duty Class I type like # C11535 once you account for the reduced capacity you will have a 100-lb limit on the total combined weight of the carrier and the loaded bikes. Since Kuat racks are lighter than many you may be fine with the reduced TW rating, but in any case I do suggest supporting the rack with some type of strap.

Curt offers their # 18050 (which is actually required for use with many of their hitches) but we also have cost-effective strap sets like # 317-412080 that will help support the load and help reduce ransom motion.

expert reply by: Adam R

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