Restriction for 4 Bike Carrier for Class I Trailer Hitch on 2015 Honda Fit
Published 01/19/2018
Products Featured in This Question
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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Yakima
more information >
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on Hitch Bike Racks
Lana B.
1/19/2018
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.