Can a Hitch Extender be Used with a Bike Rack

Updated 05/19/2020 | Published 05/16/2020

Question:

Hello - there is a note on this product that says using this will reduce the tongue weight of the hitch by 50. Does that also apply if I only use one of the hitches? Im only thinking of buying this product as I need to raise the height of my bike rack, so will only be using a bike rack on the top opening of this hitch and will not use both hitch openings. Will this use still reduce the weight capacity by 50? Thanks so much for your help.

asked by: Kaushal

Expert Reply:

Hitch adapters like part # D-192 can be used to raise a bike rack but they'll still decrease the hitch's tongue weight capacity by 50 percent.

Extending the receiver tube with an adapter moves the stress point away from the hitch which adds more stress to the receiver tube. When using a hitch mounted bike rack the rack is sitting directly over the extension and creates stress and chatter in the hitch.

You might consider getting a bike rack that fits a 1-1/4 inch hitch instead. I've linked our complete selection. One good option that I like is the Saris Freedom, part # SA4412B, because it's light and can still carry a wide variety of bikes that are fairly heavy.

expert reply by: Charles S