Hitch Expander from 1-1/4 Inch to 2 Inch for Bike Rack on 5th Wheel

Published 12/07/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter - 1-1/4" (Class II) to 2" - 6" Long

(244)

$41.94

Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide

(572)

$486.56

Question:

I have a 1 1/4inch hitch supplied on my fifth wheel RV. Its not labeled class 1 or 2. On your site you state they are the same, but a class 2 accessory wont fit a class one hitch? How can I tell which class I have. My yakima stick up bike rack will fit the 1 1/4inch hitch on my trailer. The Yakima bike rack can be used on a 2inch or 1 1/4inch hitch. I want buy a new bike rack with a 2inch receiver and I need the correct 1 1/4 to 2inch hitch adapter. Thanks for your help

asked by: William H

Expert Reply:

A 1-1/4 inch hitch on your 5th wheel will not be a class I. The class I and class II receivers look identical just the Draw-Tite class I hitches have a weldstop integrated to keep you from using class II accessories that are rated higher. Yakima does not make a class I compatible bike rack so that will also ensure your hitch is a class II.

It sounds like you want to use a hitch expander like # C45785 which you can do. Using an adapter like this will however reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch on your RV by 50%. Most class II hitches are rated for a tongue weight of 350 lbs, so that would give you a total weight of 175 lbs which would need to include your RV rated bike rack and your loaded bike weights. These are not tested for RV use, so you may instead want to consider a 2 inch hitch receiver like # 13703.

I've attached the list of bike racks that are compatible with the back of a 5th wheel to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S