Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2002 Honda Accord to Carry Bikes

Published 06/20/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver with 5" Rise

(558)

$104.93

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(52)

$192.23

Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(558)

$90.49

Question:

I have a 2002 accord and Im looking at buying a trailer hitch and an adapter. The 3 honda models for hitches are all 1 1/4,and the rack I have is 2. Would the adapter with the rise fit on my car or will the bumper be in the way?

asked by: Doug M

Expert Reply:

For a trailer hitch I recommend # C11290. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" # C11290 is just the hitch and hardware and it does not include the strap for non-trailer loads. You will need to add the stabilizer strap # 18050.

Once installed from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the rear bumper is approximately 5 inches. The 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch adapters with a rise such as # HT5R would end up making contact with the bumper. You would need to use a straight adapter, # HTAD.

However, the use of an adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. This means that the 200-pound capacity of the above trailer hitch would be reduced to 100 pounds. The combined weight of the bike rack and bikes cannot exceed the 100-pound limit.

Also on a Class I trailer hitch, you are limited to 2 bikes at most. It is not a weight issue, it is how far that weight is from the receiver. A third or more bikes that far from the receiver, especially since the adapter will move it out even further, creates too much torque on the hitch. It is like using a cheater bar to loosen a lug nut.

To solve the ground clearance and capacity issues and to avoid potential damage to the hitch and vehicle, I recommend a Class I compatible bike rack with a rise in the shank, the Swagman Trailhead, # S63360.