Why Wont Bike Rack Slide all the Way into 1-1/4 inch Trailer Hitch

Published 09/19/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(131)

$49.00

Question:

I recently purchased and installed a hitch for 2014 Mazda 3. I tried to my bike rack into the receiving tube but it stops short of the holes meeting up so I can put in the hitch pin. There is a piece of the receiving tube that is indented as to act as a stopper I suppose. Im wondering how I am supposed to anything in the tube if I cannot secure it. I can provide pictures for further explanation upon response to my inquiry. Thank you.

asked by: Kim C

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you have attempted to install a Class II bike rack in a Class I hitch. This is a common issue. The Class I hitches have a weld stop installed in them to prevent this so that you don't overload the hitch and damage it. Check the hitch tube to see if there's what looks like a weld splatter that's preventing the rack from sliding in. What you need is a Class I rack.

The most popular bike rack we carry that has been confirmed to fit this vehicle is the Thule Camber 2 part # TH9058. We asked our demo and install guys to name their favorite, most easy-to-use bike racks and this one showed up in nearly everyone's top three. Check out the review video I attached for more info.

If you plan on carrying any women's or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.

expert reply by: Jameson C