Using a Thule Bike Rack with 1-1/4 Inch Shank in a 2 Inch Trailer Hitch

Updated 06/14/2018 | Published 06/13/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Aluminum Hitch Adapter Sleeve for Saris 1-1/4" Hitch Bike Racks

(65)

$14.94

Replacement M6 x 16mm Flat Cap Screw for Thule Bike Carriers

(122)

$11.40

Replacement 2" Hitch Adapter for Thule Doubletrack, Hitching Post Pro, or Vertex Racks - Qty 1

(222)

$44.61

Hitch Reducer 2" to 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(251)

$79.86

Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin for 2" Trailer Hitches

(1735)

$23.19

Question:

Hi, I have a Thule bike rack meant for a 1 1/4 hitch but my car has a 2 inch hitch. The adapters I have tried in the past make the hitch too long and they are always too loose, making the bikes sway back and forth and sit back too far from the car. I see that this adapter gets good reviews and looks like it fits inside the 2” hitch but I don’t know if it will work with my Thule bike rack. Are bike racks standard or do you have customers who have tried it?

asked by: Jocelyn H

Expert Reply:

Replacement Aluminum Hitch Adapter Sleeve # SA3032 is not a confirmed fit for any Thule racks but there is another option.

If your Thule bike rack is one of the following models I recommend using Replacement 2" Hitch Adapter for Thule Doubletrack, Hitching Post Pro, or Vertex Racks Item # 853-7489 and Replacement M6 x 16mm Flat Cap Screw for Thule Bike Carriers Item # 853-5787-02. These are designed to adapt a Thule 1-1/4" shank to a 2" and will not add much length or cause extra wobble. To further reduce wobble and rattles I would recommend an anti-rattle device for your bike rack. A traditional bike rack anti-rattle solution is Item # SHP2061.

expert reply by: Michael H