Can a 2 Inch Trailer Hitch be Installed on a 2009 Hyundai Elantra Sedan  

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Expert Reply:

There is only one Class I, 1-1/4 inch trailer hitch available for your 2009 Hyundai Elantra, the Draw-Tite hitch # 24795. If your bike rack only fits a 2 inch hitch then you would have to use an adapter, # HTAD, to be able to use that specific rack.

The use of an adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. All of the hitches for the Elantra have a tongue weight capacity of 200 pounds so when using the adapter the capacity is reduced to 100 pounds. That means the loaded bike rack cannot weigh more than 100 pounds total.

Another issue that may or may not be a problem for you is that Class I trailer hitches are only rated for 2 bikes maximum even if the rack can hold more and even if you would still be under the capacity. The issue isn't exactly the weight it is the distance that a third and more bikes will be from the receiver. At that distance a third or more bikes will put too much stress on a Class I hitch and will damage the hitch and possibly the vehicle. I have seen it happen.

If you need to carry up to 3 bikes then I recommend skipping the trailer hitch and getting a trunk mount bike rack. I have included a link to the available options for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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