Can a Bike Rack Be Used in a Class I Hitch on a 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid

Published 03/02/2023

Question:

Hello, I want to install a hitch for a 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid. I will use it for a bike rack. A hitch installer near me informed me that I cannot use a bike rack with Class I hitch on this vehicle because of the tongue weight. Your site recommends only a Class I hitch. Can you confirm the weight issue?

asked by: Megan

Expert Reply:

Well I have some good news, you can absolutely use a bike rack with a class I hitch. Your options are just a lot more limited because of the tongue weight restrictions.

The Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver # 24972 is the only hitch we currently have that is confirmed to fit your 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid. This is a class I hitch with a tongue weight limit of 200 lbs. so you would need to make sure your bike rack is class I compatible and the weight of the rack and your bike does not exceed 200 lbs.

I have listed a couple different bike racks below that are class I compatible.

- Thule Camber Bike Rack # TH9058 (rack weighs 28 lbs.) Hanging Style

This rack is class I compatible and can carry two bikes weighing up to 37.5 lbs. per bike. The hanging style is pretty popular for lower rated hitches and vehicles that sit lower to the ground because it lifts the bike up a bit more and the rack itself typically weighs less.

- Thule T2 Classic Bike Rack # TH9045 (50 lbs.) Platform Style

This rack is also Class I compatible and can carry two bikes weighing up to 50 lbs. per bike or 60 lbs. if you only have 1 bike loaded (has to be in the inner most carrier spot).

Personally I prefer platform racks because they tend to hold the bikes more securely with less movement and sway. I have attached a video for each rack that you can check out.

It is also important to note that there are some bike racks that carry 3 or 4 bikes that are class I compatible, but you would still be limited to just 2 bikes. This is because once you get past the second bike, the weight is extended too far out for a class I hitch to safely handle.