Hitch Availability for 2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible to Enable Use of 2-Inch Hitch-Mount Bike Rack  

Question:

Expert Reply:

We do offer one hitch receiver for your 2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible, Class I hitch part # C11068 from Curt. This unit is a 1-1/4-inch light-duty hitch with a rated tongue weight capacity of 150-lbs. We do not offer a 2-inch hitch for your G37 convertible.

There are a couple of concerns related to use of your existing 2-inch hitch-mount carrier with this Class I Curt hitch.

First, this Class I hitch itself is capable of carrying only 2 bikes, even if the rack you have can hold more than two. (This is a limitation of all Class I hitches, 2 bikes maximum. Please refer to the linked article on trailer hitch classes.) Second, in order to fit a 2-inch rack on a 1-1/4-inch hitch you would need an adapter; these are readily available, such as # HTAD from Brophy. Please refer to the linked video. The concern with adapters is that they have the unavoidable side-effect of reducing your hitch's capacity by 50-percent. This means that the 150-lb-rated hitch becomes a 75-lb-rated hitch, and that the total combined weight of your bike carrier plus the weight of the loaded bikes would have to be within this 75-lb limit.

If your 2 bikes and hitch-mount carrier together weight less than 75-lbs you could use the adapter along with the stabilizing strap to help steady the bikes and rack, part # 18050 from Curt.

If the bikes and rack weigh more than 75-lbs, then your options are to select a new 2-bike Class I carrier to use with the Class I hitch (which would let you keep the full 150-lb hitch capacity since an adapter would not be needed), or to instead select a trunk-mount rack that does not require a hitch receiver. Do note that some rack manufacturers do not recommend a trunk rack for your G37 convertible due to the potential for damage to the light sheet metal from the weight of the loaded rack. If you do wish to consider the trunk-mount option a link is provided that will let you see several carriers from Hollywood Racks.

If you prefer a 1-1/4-inch Class I rack to go along with the Class I hitch you can select from among those shown on the link provided. A example of a carrier with excellent clearance for the rear bumper of the vehicle is the Curt # C18085 rack, which provides 12.5-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole. Along with this rack you an use cable lock # e98891 to secure the bikes to the rack and hitch lock # SHP2082 to lock the rack to your hitch.

The two linked articles on bike racks will be helpful as you consider your options, but please feel free to let me know your preferences and I can then make specific recommendations for you.

expert reply by: Adam R

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