1-1/4 Inch to 2 Inch Inch Hitch Adapter With Rise That has Most Clearance

Updated 08/05/2020 | Published 07/24/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(906)

$399.99

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

(554)

$104.93

Question:

I have a Buick Lacrosse with an 1-1/4 inch hitch. It is too low. I need a riser. Do they make a riser that is 1 1/4inch x 1 1/4inch that would have minimum of 4inch from the pin to clear the car which would be tight. The 4 1/2 inch riser is perfect except I need more than 3inch to clear the car. Can I put a sleeve in the 2inch side and how much would I be able to haul. I haul bikes and have a 4 bike rack - normally haul 2 bikes.

asked by: Dennis S

Expert Reply:

The 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch adapter with rise that has the most clearance from the pin hole to the back of the adapter is the Brophy Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver with 5" Rise # HT5R. This adapter is approximately 3-3/8 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the adapter.

So there is nothing that is 4 inches with a rise, and the use of any adapter will reduce the capacity of your hitch by 50 percent. So for example if you had a 2019 Buick LaCrosse with Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 36652, which has a tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs, with any adapter your bike racks and bikes would be limited to 175 lbs.

Since there are no adapters with the rise you need, and an adapter would reduce your weight limit, you may need a new 4-bike rack with a rise in the shank, such as the Hollywood Racks Destination 4 Bike Platform Rack # HR4000 which has a 3-3/4 inch rise or the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE 4-Bike Rack # HR1400Z which has a 7 inch rise.

I've added links to video reviews for you as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Dennis

7/28/2020

Can I use a 1 1/4 x 2 adapter with the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE 4 Bike Platform Rack - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount or is it not recommended - I have a Saris bike rack which was the only one recommended at the time I bought it for 4 bikes with 1 1/4 hitch

Jon G.

8/5/2020

While the Sport Rider will technically fit in an adapter like that, I really don't recommend doing that for a few reasons; the bike rack is designed for a 2" receiver (so stronger hitches), and using an adapter like that cuts your trailer hitch capacity in half. Unless you're needing the higher weight rating of the Sport Rider I recommend going with a 4-Bike rack designed for a 1-1/4" hitch like the Thule Apex XT # TH9025XT (37.5 lbs per bike).