How to Raise Hitch Mounted Bike Rack for Additional Ground Clearance

Updated 07/20/2020 | Published 05/06/2014

Question:

I have a Drawtite 75660 2inch hitch installed on my 2010 Subaru Forester and I have a Thule bike rack attached to the hitch. The total weight of the rack and two bikes is probably around 120 lbs. The bike rack drags on the road when I go over a larger bumps so I would like to raise up the rack 4-6inch but not sure of the best product to do this.

asked by: Ryan W

Expert Reply:

A hi-low adapter like the part # RM-048-6 you mentioned is designed for a rolling load like a vehicle being flat towed behind a motorhome. Although it hasn't been designed for a hitch mounted accessory like a bike rack, it can be used for that purpose. Do not use to tow a trailer. When using with a hitch-mounted accessory, such as a bike rack or cargo carrier, the tongue weight of your hitch will be reduced by at least 50 percent..

expert reply by: Mike L

Derek G.

7/15/2020

Hey Mike - Am I able to use a hi-low adapter on a 1.25" Class1 hitch? I want higher ground clearance for my bike rack

Chris R.

7/20/2020

All of the standard high-low adapters we have available are designed to fit 2" (or larger) hitch receivers. For your smaller Class I hitch you can use an adapter like the Brophy # HT5R instead. Just keep in mind that this will decrease the capacity of your trailer hitch by 50 percent.