Can I Use A Class 1 Bike Rack With My Class 2 Trailer Hitch Receiver?

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Question:

I have a 2012 Honda Civic with a class 1 curt trailer hitch. I am wanting to buy a 2 bike platform bike rack. I was wondering what the difference is between racks rated for class 1 and class 2 hitches? I am looking at Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4 and 2 Hitches - Frame Mount. The receiver for this bike rack is the correct size for my hitch and the weight of rack plus the bikes would be under my hitchs maximum tongue weight of 200 lbs but, the rack is class 2 and my hitch is class 1. Would this setup work or what am I missing is this class mismatch?

asked by: Zack

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Class 1 trailer hitch receivers, like the one on your 2012 Honda Civic, are usually designed in a way that only allow class 1 accessories to be mounted due to weight capacity. Accessories and bike racks that are class 2 or higher typically weigh more than class 1 accessories and have higher weight limits that a class 1 hitch receiver can't handle. I do have a bike rack for you, but you will not want to use the Saris Freedom Bike Rack # SA4412B since it can only be used on Class 1 hitches at a reduced capacity (35lbs per bike).

I would look into the Kuat NV 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack # NV12B as this is your best option if you would like a platform-style bike rack. This is Class 1 compatible and will work well with your 1-1/4" Curt hitch receiver. This carrier can hold 2 bikes weighing up to 60lbs each and can hold up to 3" wide tires. If your tires are wider than 3" then you will need Fat Tire Strap Kit # APBK which can hold up to 4.8" wide tires. If your bike has front fenders then this bike rack is not what you want since the front wheel-mount arm will interfere with front fenders.

If you have front fenders or if you just want a more budget-friendly option then you will want to go with a hanging-style bike rack such as Swagman Trailhead 2 Bike Rack # S63360. This has a weigh capacity of 35lbs per bike and is 1-1/4" Class 1 compatible. This will secure the bike by the frame and works with many different styles of bikes. If you plan on hauling women's, children's, or full-suspension bikes then you may need to use Adapter Bar # 64005 which will ensure your bike is tight and secured to the carrier no matter the frame design. I have attached demonstration videos for you.

expert reply by: Andrew N

1

Answer 1

I reached out to a representative of Saris who told me the Replacement Tube Cradle and Strap #SA24382 will fit a downtube of approximately 5 inches. This is a replacement cradle for the Saris Freedom bike racks such as #SA4412B which is a 2-bike rack…

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Answer 2

The Kuat Transfer 1 Bike Platform Rack #KU64FR that you referenced is an excellent carrier but I don't recommend it for your Electra Townie because of the fenders that you mentioned. The Kuat Transfer will need to clamp down right where that…

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Answer 3

The Saris Freedom 2 Bike Platform Rack #SA4412B has a 60 lb per bike capacity so it works with most E-bikes as that's typically more than needed for them. In terms of the bike frame clamp I checked with Saris and they say that it fits all frame…

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Answer 4

I do not recommend a Curt hitch for your 2012 Toyota Corolla S. The Curt hitches for your vehicle will require a stabilization strap when using a bike rack, #18050, and the Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitches do not have that requirement. On a bike rack…

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Answer 5

The Saris Freedom 2 Bike Tray Style Hitch Carrier #SA4412B does feature a mechanism that allows the center tubing to fold out in order to gain access to the trunk space. You could definitely fold that down to make loading the bike easier, you just…

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Answer 6

Jim, can I ask why the Saris #SA4412B doesn't work? The RockyMounts #RKY10007 looks like it has all of the same specs as the Saris minus the fact that the Saris is a two bike frame mounted rack, and the RockyMounts is a single wheel mounted rack.…

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Answer 7

Curt will require stabilization strap #18050 when using trailer hitch #C11265 for anything other than towing a trailer. That would include the Saris Freedom #SA4412B. To avoid having to use the strap I recommend you go with Draw-Tite trailer hitch…

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Answer 8

For a great 2-bike electric bike rack for your 2015 Hyundai Sonata, I recommend the Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount #SA4412B or the fat-bike version #SA4412B-FB. The great thing is that the Freedom…

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Answer 9

I recommend using a Detail K2 Mighty Multi Utility Trailer #K2MMT4X6 to haul your 2 E Bikes. Your Toyota Corolla is only capable of using a class I receiver like the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C11265. This will limit the bike racks that you can…

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Answer 10

For lighter duty vehicles like your 2016 Toyota Corolla we only have 1-1/4 inch hitches available like the Curt #C11265 since the larger hitch size is only available on vehicles that have higher towing capacities like trucks and SUVs but we do have…

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Answer 11

Hey Carver, you’re definitely thinking through all the right details here, especially with the weight and those fenders, because that’s usually where things can get tricky. With your Curt Hitch part #C11265 on the Corolla, the big thing to keep in…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Can I Use A Class 1 Bike Rack With My Class 2 Trailer Hitch Receiver?

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