Can Hitch Adapter Be Used With Bike Rack on Draw-Tite Class I Hitch 24971 for the 2012 Prius C

Updated 05/21/2014 | Published 05/20/2014

Question:

using a draw tite class 1 hitch 24971, on a 2012 Prius c with 1 1/4inch receiver.... can i use an 1 1/4inch to 2inch adapter even if it says class II? I will only be using it for my bike rack which is 2. Please let me know as i would feel more comfortable with the heavy duty adapter. Thanks for your time in advance.

asked by: Vange

Expert Reply:

Your 2012 Prius C can be equipped with one size and class of trailer hitch receiver, a light-duty 1-1/4-inch Class I hitch such as your Draw-Tite # 24971. Class I hitches can carry the weight of only 2 bikes, no matter what the capacity of the bike carrier itself may be.

The problem with hitch adapters - any of them - is that they cut the weight capacity of the hitch in half. They also introduce a second connection point that will allow the bike rack to have even more random motion while you're driving. Therefore a hitch adapter cannot safely be used along with a bike rack on this Class I hitch. The linked articles on hitch classes will explain further.

If your bike rack is made for a 2-inch hitch, your best option is to select a new 2-bike-capacity Class I carrier made for your 1-1/4-inch hitch. The link provided will let you see all 2-bike Class I carriers. In your application a lightweight carrier like the Thule Camber # TH9058 is a great option since it weighs only about 28-lbs.

expert reply by: Adam R