Can I Use A Hitch Expander With My 2009 Hyundai Sonata 1 1/4 Hitch Receiver

Updated 05/15/2021 | Published 05/14/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(32)

$196.86

Question:

I own a 2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited and I want to buy the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver 1-1/4 inch item # C 11325 for use with the MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Platform Style 2-Bike Rack. Below is a link to the bike rack. Each bike weighs about 10 - 13 lbs. This bike rack fits Class III and IV standard 2inch hitch receivers, therefore I will need 1-1/4inch to 2inch Hitch Adapter which is available from MaxxHaul for $42 # 70032 and another is available from Harbor Freight by Haul Master for $16. I see that you offer Brophys for $72 and MaxxTow for $50. Is there really that much difference between hitch adapters why shouldnt I buy the cheapest? Most important, will the MaxxHaul bike rack work with the Curt hitch receiver with an adapter of course. Do you have any other recommendations? I really dont want to have to return either the hitch or the bike rack. Thanks

asked by: Rick

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, you will be able to use the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4", part # C11325 with your 2009 Hyundai Sonata. This hitch receiver has a maximum tongue weight of 200lbs. Now when you introduce a hitch adapter in to the system you will reduce the maximum tongue weight by 50%, reducing it to 100lbs. This means that the weight of bike you can carry on this rack will be approximately 67lbs.

The Haul Master hitch adapter has a maximum tongue weight of 350 lbs, but you are always limited by the lowest weight capacity in the system, which is your hitch receiver. Your maximum tongue weight will still be reduced to 100 lbs when using this adapter. If your bikes weigh between 10 and 13 lbs, you should be OK with this setup and I do not see any advantages in going with the more expensive options considering the limitations of your hitch receiver. However, I do not recommend this configuration if you ever plan on carrying heavier bikes sometime in the future.

Lastly, you will be able to use the MaxxHaul 50027 bike rack with the Harbor Freight Haul Adapter on your vehicle.

I have included a product description link and a installation video for the Curt hitch receiver.

expert reply by: Mark Smith