Options to Reduce a Trailer Hitch From 2" to 1-1/4" to Use an Older Swagman Bike Rack

Question:

I have an older Swagman rack and recently bought a Class III hitch. The 1-1/4-inch shank on the Swagman only has one pin hole, so I cant use the Swagman adapter. Would this product work?

asked by: Megan R

Expert Reply:

The RockyMounts 1-1/4" to 2" Hitch Adapter Sleeve for MonoRail Bike Rack # RKY54FR will almost certainly not work. I do not know what Swagman bike rack you have, but the adapter sleeves for bike rack shanks are typically pretty specific to certain bike rack models.

Your best option is going to use a hitch reducer, instead of a bike rack adapter. The best option for that is the Hitch Reducer 2" to 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver # HT02. What makes this the best option is that it is a no extension option, which means the tongue weight of your hitch will not be reduced by 50%.

A more economical option is the Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter # e58YR, but this has a slight extension on it and means the tongue weight capacity of your hitch will be reduced by 50%. This is true anytime a hitch extension is used.

expert reply by: Scott S