Trailer hitch size converters - 1.25-2 inches - arey solid or will my bike carrier sway like a drunk?

Triathlon Forum
1

I have a Mazda 3. I seem only to be able to buy a 1.25 inch trailer hitch for it, probably because it’s not really designed to tow much of anything.

I have a Softride 4 bike carrier which mounts to a 2 inch hitch.

I can buy a 1.25-2 inch converter like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-7020500-Receiver-Adapter/dp/B001IH8Q0A/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1461179004&sr=1-3&keywords=class+1+adapter

I’m worried that the converter will either not work, or allow a lot of sway. Have any of you used one of these, and if so, did it work ok?

Thanks!
Bigshoes

2

  1. yes it will wobble/sway quite a bit, unless you replace the pins (both receiver and adapter) with bolts that you can cinch down (but even then it’ll still sway some); and

  2. it’ll obviously extend the whole contraption out further horizontally behind the car ~ which isn’t such a big deal on a higher-clearance vehicle like a larger truck or SUV, but on a compact car it means you’ll more commonly risk scraping on any sort of sloped driveway or curb cut, epsecially pulling in/out perpendicular to the road crown.

3

I had one of the converters on a eurovan. It worked fine. I did a few road trips with 4 stupidly heavy family bikes to instill the confidence to put my race bikes on there.

4

Thanks to both of you for the advice. Looks like my wife’s car (a Honda CRV) is going to get the tow hitch!

5

Also have a Mazda 3.
I bought a 2" adapter that is shaped like an Z, like this one:
https://www.etrailer.com/comparison.aspx?pc=MT70355&pc2=HT5R

It seems to get the hitch up a little and I’ve not had any problems.

However, when converting from 1 1/4 to 2, you have to watch out for compatibility.

Mazda has rated their hitch as a Class 1. I bet if you stick your finger in the receiver you’ll feel a little bump or piece of metal they’ve welded in there to keep you from being able to use Class 2+ hitches. Most 2" hitches are Class 2.
I didn’t know that. I ended up grinding down the stop to use the hitch, but there are Class 1 compatible 2" out there.

6

I had to do this with my Camry. the only issue I have is that some times it will bottom out in some driveways due to the carrier being extended out further due to the adapter. Sway not an issue.

7

Just got a class 3 (2 inch ) hitch today installed on my CRV for 175. Seems way more stable becaue it is mounted to my frame not my bumper. Not that much more expensive than class 2.

8

I have a Mazda 3. I seem only to be able to buy a 1.25 inch trailer hitch for it, probably because it’s not really designed to tow much of anything.

I have a Softride 4 bike carrier which mounts to a 2 inch hitch.

I can buy a 1.25-2 inch converter like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-7020500-Receiver-Adapter/dp/B001IH8Q0A/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1461179004&sr=1-3&keywords=class+1+adapter

I’m worried that the converter will either not work, or allow a lot of sway. Have any of you used one of these, and if so, did it work ok?

Thanks!
Bigshoes

I have done this on one of my vehicles. this little contraption works pretty well for reducing the wobble. Search amazon for the:
Boone outdoor no rattle hitch stabilizer. aka the wedge.

sorry, I’m on a phone and having trouble creating a link.

9

Update - had a 2 inch class 3 hitch installed on my CR-V. Carted 4 bikes 400 miles over freeways and curvy mountain roads on my Softride rack. Worked like a charm.

Thanks all for your feedback.