Bike Rack Recommendation for 1-1/4 inch Hitch that Wont Drag Bikes

Updated 08/12/2025 | Published 08/06/2025

Question:

Hello Conner L, I just got a 2000 lb hitch with a 1 1/4 hitch put on my Volkswagen Golf Station Wagon and then put on a Thule Helium 3 that I bought off someone and then when I was leaving the back alley to the street, it hit the ground and needless to say I turned around and parked the car and am now looking for solutions. Do you have any thoughts on that? I also have the adapter so maybe the car is just too low for this kind of bike rack...? Thanks! Sara

asked by: Sara

Expert Reply:

Hey Sara, that's a bummer to hear but not uncommon with hanging bike racks. Its one of the reasons they aren't as popular anymore. A better solution would be a platform bike rack that has rise built into the shank and is also angled up like the Kuat Transver V2 part # KU74FR. This will carry the bikes a lot higher and would protect them as well since the rack would hit the ground before the bike. How are your bikes?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Sara

8/6/2025

Thanks so much for the reply, Jameson! The bikes are okay, thanks! I really appreciate it your answer. Do you think this hitch riser would fix the situation for now? https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-2-in-dual-receiver-adapter-extension-0409057p.html?rq=motomaster+2+in+dual+receiver+adapter Thanks so much again! Sara

Jameson C.

8/12/2025

@Sara Hitch risers can help but they end up cutting the capacity of the hitch they are installed in by 50 percent since they add additional length (leverage) and movement so they are not always ideal.