Class I to Class III Trailer Hitch Adapter for Bike Rack and Towing on 2018 Subaru Outback

Published 06/07/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(544)

$99.69

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs

(3836)

$9.97

Curt Class I Drawbar - 5/8" Rise, 1-1/4" Drop - 6-3/4" Long - 2,000 lbs

(2260)

$21.92

etrailer Ball Mount Bag

(181)

$19.12

Curt Hitch Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter x 2" Span

(2920)

$2.93

Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver with 5" Rise

(545)

$95.08

Question:

Hello, I just paid Subaru to install a hitch on my 2018 Outback. They installed a Class 1 hitch. I have a bike rack for a class 3 hitch receiver. I dont need to tow often, but if I did, I want to have the best hitch adapter for towing a small trailer, like a 4x8 U-Haul trailer. Can you please advise me on the best part in this situation? Thank you

asked by: Carolyn W

Expert Reply:

There are two adapters we carry that will fit a Class I hitch and expand to a 2 inch hitch receiver, but they will reduce the tongue weight of your hitch by 50%. Most Class 1 trailer hitches have a max tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs, so reducing that to 100 lbs and then adding the weight of your rack and bikes you would need to be under 100 lbs. This may work fine for a 2 bike rack with normal bikes, but you wouldn't use the adapter for towing the U-Haul 4x8 trailer.

The adapters are the Brophy # HTAD or the Brophy Hitch Adapter with 5" Rise # HT5R.

For towing, you won't have the reduction in tongue weight if you use the ball mount # C45018. You will then use the pin and clip # F-4 and hitch ball # C40018. I recommend using a bag like # ETBMB when not in use.