Restriction for 4 Bike Carrier for Class I Trailer Hitch on 2015 Honda Fit

Published 01/19/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(228)

$458.95

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

(218)

$499.95

Question:

We get this type of question a lot. The issue is that there are two classes of 1-1/4 inch hitches which are rated for the same weight capacities, but the manufacturer puts a note on the Class I hitches that only 2 bikes can be loaded on a Class I hitch. So you technically can install a 4 bike rack, but the manufacturer will limit you to carrying 2 bikes under their warranty because of the torque the additional bike weight and position of the weight would have on the hitch. The 200 lb tongue weight of the Class I is restricted to a closer mounting like a ball mount. For this reason, some racks like the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack # Y02458 will state 1-1/4 inch hitches (Class II only) and 2 inch trailer hitch receivers. Other racks like the Thule Apex 4 Bike Rack # TH9025XT will state a fit for Class I or Class II and then will state the maximum capacity for Class I hitch receivers is 2 bikes in the manufacturer instructions.

asked by: Lana B

Expert Reply:

We get this type of question a lot. The issue is that there are two classes of 1-1/4 inch hitches which are rated for the same weight capacities, but the manufacturer puts a note on the Class I hitches that only 2 bikes can be loaded on a Class I hitch. So you technically can install a 4 bike rack, but the manufacturer will limit you to carrying 2 bikes under their warranty because of the torque the additional bike weight and position of the weight would have on the hitch. The 200 lb tongue weight of the Class I is restricted to a closer mounting like a ball mount.

For this reason, some racks like the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack # Y02458 will state 1-1/4 inch hitches (Class II only) and 2 inch trailer hitch receivers. Other racks like the Thule Apex 4 Bike Rack # TH9025XT will state a fit for Class I or Class II and then will state the maximum capacity for Class I hitch receivers is 2 bikes in the manufacturer instructions.

expert reply by: Jason S

Lana B.

1/19/2018

Jason S.

1/19/2018

Your 2015 Honda Fit only has Class I hitch options available from our manufacturers. This is most likely due to the fact that your owner's manual says your vehicle is not rated for towing. It is not designed to handle much weight on the back of the frame. With a Class I hitch, you are limited by the manufacturer to 2 bikes even with a 4 bike rack. If you choose to not follow that recommendation then you are operating outside of the warranty of the bike rack which is the risk many people choose to take, but I can't tell you it is okay to do so.