Solution for Carrying 2 e-Bikes on 2017 Kia Soul with 1-1/4 Inch Class I Hitch
Published 08/27/2021
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
We have a 2017 Kia Soul with a Curt class 1 hitch, 200 lb tongue capacity with a 1 1/4” receiver. We have a 45LB Thule bike rack with a 2” hitch and 2 45 lb ebikes. Total weight 135Lbs. I see if we use the hitch adaptor, we should reduce the weight by 50. So we should not put any more than 100 lbs on the tongue? Is it not safe to have this bike rack and two ebikes on it? Thanks
asked by: Jeff S
Expert Reply:
Because using an adapter increases the distance between the load of the bikes and rack and the hitch receiver, more leverage is exerted on the hitch as well as its attachment points to the vehicle. This is why the tongue weight capacity of the hitch is lowered by half to 100 lbs. Exceeding that could cause the hitch or the attachment points to the vehicle to fail, which would be bad.
This situation would leave you with two options. One would be to replace the hitch with one that has a 2 inch receiver tube like the EcoHitch # 306-X7326 which would have plenty of capacity and wouldn't require an adapter.
The other option would be to go with a bike rack that's compatible with a 1-1/4 inch receiver so you don't need an adapter. The only e-bike rack we offer that's compatible with a Class I hitch is the Thule EasyFold, part # TH903202. The EasyFold is an outstanding bike rack that can handle two bikes weighing up to 65 lbs each. The rack features an integrated ramp for easy bike loading, and the rack can tilt away from the vehicle with the bikes loaded for easy cargo area access. The unique frame clamps can be adjusted to hold the bike frames from either the top tube or the seat post tube, so it'll accommodate pretty much any bike unless it has a carbon-fiber frame. The rack even has built-in rollers so you can easily transport the rack from its storage spot to the vehicle.
I've linked to some install/demonstration videos that you might find helpful.
If you're happy with your current bike rack, I'd recommend replacing the existing hitch with the EcoHitch # 306-X7326 as the better option.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: vehicle tow bar wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Search Results: blue ox tow bar base plate
- Search Results: vehicle tow bar brake system
- Search Results: tow bar base plate
- Shop: Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Search Results: roadmaster drop receiver
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Search Results: 2 inch hitch trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Video: Installing the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit on your 2014 Honda CR-V
- Shop: Blue Ox EZ Light Custom Plug-In Tow Bar Wiring Kit
- Shop: Blue Ox EZ Light Custom Plug-In Tow Bar Wiring Kit
- Video: Breaking Down the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitch - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Stainless Steel
- Q&A: Comparing the Blue Ox Patriot 2 and Patriot BLU37TR Portable Braking Systems
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2012-2014 Honda CR-V
- Video: Installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on your 2014 Honda CR-V
- Video: Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar Review
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit
- Article: Can You Flat Tow a Subaru Crosstrek?
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
on Trailer Hitch
