Can I Use a Bike Rack Hitch Adapter to Tow?

Updated 08/15/2019 | Published 08/14/2019

Question:

I have a bike rack that has is 1.25, but came with a spacer to adapt to a 2. My old car had the 1.25 hitch and so I purchased a 1.25 receiver for a ball hitch, but I see the 2inch is about $50 cheaper. So with the spacer I am debating the 1.25inch or the 2. Is it safe to tow light duty trailer on the 2inch with the spacer or should I just spend the extra $50 and get the 1.25? Thanks

asked by: Duane W

Expert Reply:

You likely won't be able to use the adapter that came with your bike rack on your ball mount for 2 reasons;

1) Since most of the adapters that come with bike racks are going to be secured with a threaded bolt that only works on shanks for those racks.
2) After checking with some of the bike rack manufacturers, these adapters aren't rated for towing applications and are typically only tested up to around 150-lbs

However, you could use a Hitch Reducer similar to # HT02 that will reduce the size on your hitch receiver from 2" down to 1-1/4" and allow you to safely tow your light duty trailer. The great thing about doing it this way is that the HT02 won't compromise the tongue weight or towing capacity of your hitch- you're still going to be limited to the 1500-lb capacity of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, but you're not compromising the strength of your components.

expert reply by: Erik B