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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Camber Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Rack
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: How to Set Up Your Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2014 Subaru Impreza
- Shop: Benton LittleShift Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Thule Camber Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Shop: Hollywood Racks CrossTrack Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Shop: EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Lets Go Aero V-Lectric 3.0 Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Q&A: What is the Best Hitch for a 2024 Subaru Impreza Hatchback?
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2024 Subaru Impreza RS
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2025 Toyota RAV4
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Q&A: Recommended Bike Rack and Dual Hitch Adapter for Carrying E-Bikes While Flat Towing
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Inside Look at TowSmart and Oris Hitches with the Manufacturer
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: Was Strength Testing Performed On Benton MoveHitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Shop: Brake Controller
on Hitch Bike Rack
