Can You Use a Class III Bike Rack in a Class I or Class II Hitch

Published 10/01/2021

Question:

I have a Thule 4 bike rack with a 2inch shaft for lack of a better word. My SUV has a hitch with a 1.25 inch receiver. I purchased an adaptor, but it extends the rack out by at least 6. Besides purchasing a new rack, is there another solution that you can think of?

asked by: Tom H

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have a Thule bike rack intended to be used for 2" hitches but only have a 1-1/4" receiver on your SUV's hitch. If you have a 1-1/4" receiver opening you only have a Class I or Class II hitch which is going to limit your options due to weight limits. For instance, a 2" Class III hitch receiver can handle a 2" Class III bike rack (or smaller). However, a 1-1/4" Class I hitch receiver can't hold anything larger than this, so you would not be able to use a Class III bike rack.

If your current bike rack is for a class III hitch, then you will either need to get a class III hitch or get a bike rack that is compatible with your current hitch.

I have included an article that helps you figure out the best bike rack for you, it also shows how to determine what class hitch you have.

If you want to go the new hitch route, you would need to input your vehicle information into our fitguide to get the correct hitch for your vehicle.

The bike rack I would recommend (for your current hitch) if you want to go that route is the Thule Camber 4 Bike Rack # TH9056, which is going to work with a Class I, Class II or Class III hitch. It has a removable sleeve that lets you convert the rack for use with 1-1/4" hitches. The arms fold down for storage, and rack tilts for cargo area access. It has a Carrying capacity of 4 bicycles (only 2 bikes on a Class I hitch) and weight capacity of 37.5 lbs per bike. You will want to make sure you don't have more weight than your hitch is rated for.

expert reply by: Scott S