How To Carry Bikes While Towing With a Bike Rack Not Rated for Use On a Trailer

Updated 05/20/2020 | Published 05/18/2020

Question:

We have a really nice Saris rack that works great with our 2018 Highlander XLE, 500# tongue capacity. However, we are awaiting delivery of an InTech Flyer, Explore, which has a 2” hitch at the back of it. Our Saris is not rated to withstand a hitch on the back of a trailer and the hitch on the trailer has a 100# weight limit. I hate to give up using our Saris bike rack. It seems we could connect our vehicle to a hitch that could carry our bikes and pull our trailer, but I am not acquainted with those, OR buy another dedicated trailer hitch. The bikes are not light, so we would want the lighted, strongest carriers. What are your recommendations?

asked by: Jack S

Expert Reply:

The best option I have that would allow one to carry bikes and tow a trailer at the same time if the bike rack is not rated for use on a trailer is a multi-purpose ball mount, the Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount part # D210. That said, this option only works if the 2-1/4" drop that this ball mount offers will allow you to tow level or very close. If not, you would not really have any other good options aside for obtaining lighter bikes.

I have attached a help article that goes over how to know the rise/drop needs for a ball mount.

expert reply by: Conner L