Why Are Class I Hitches Limited to Carrying Only 2 Bikes on Bike Racks
Updated 06/06/2012 | Published 06/03/2012
Question:
I have a class 1 hitch with a 2,000lb capacity. Why would this hitch limit the number of bikes if its still within the weight capacity of the hitch? Thanks.
asked by: Rick
Expert Reply:
Your Class I hitch has a 2,000 lb gross weight capacity but only a 200 lb tongue weight capacity. The difference between these two capacities is that gross weight capacity refers to how heavy of a trailer you could tow, whereas the tongue weight capacity refers to how much vertical weight you could put on the hitch.
Tongue weight is the relevant capacity when it comes to bike racks because they put a vertical load on the hitch. Another thing you have to consider with bike racks is leverage. As you put more bikes on a rack you end up with the weight of the additional bikes being farther and farther away from the hitch. Which if you have ever used a cheater bar to break loose a bar you know that the longer the bolt the more torque you can apply.
So that is why you can not carry more than two bikes on a Class I hitch even if it is a 4 bike carrier like # TH9025XT. Its lower capacity can not handle the additional weight so far away from the hitch.
If you need to transport 4 bikes on a vehicle with a Class I hitch your best option would be to carry 2 of the bikes on a hitch mounted bike rack and then carry the other 2 bikes on a roof mounted bike racks. If you email me back with the year/make/model of your vehicle plus if it has a roof rack with cross bars that run from one side to the other or rails that run from front to back I could help you pick out the racks.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trunk Bike Rack
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: How Many Bikes Can Be Transported with a Class I Hitch
- Shop: Yakima HangOut 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
- Shop: Saris MHS UNO Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Saris MHS DUO Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Inno Tire Hold Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Shop: Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Video: Fifth Wheel Towing Made Simple with Daniel
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Video: Installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2025 Toyota RAV4
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
on Hitch Bike Racks
