What size trailer hitch do I need for a Thule bike rack?

Thule bike racks are designed to work with either 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receivers. Some will work with both sizes. All racks require a minimum of 1.5″ from the center of the hitch pin hole to the end of the receiver opening.

How do I know what size my bike rack is?

The height of the bike rack should be 33 inches tall (30-35 inches allowable), measured at the center-point of the bike rack’s length. At 33 inches tall, the bike rack will be slightly taller than most bikes’ top tubes.

What is the best bike rack for SUV?

Our Recommendations For The Best Bike Rack For SUV/Car

• Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack.
• Thule Apex XT 4-Bike Hitch Rack.
• Kuat Sherpa 2.0 2-Bike Hitch Rack.
• Saris SuperClamp EX 4-Bike Hitch Rack.
• Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Mounted Bike Rack.
• Saris Bones Car Bike Rack, Trunk or Hitch Carrier.

What is the difference between a Class 1 and Class 2 hitch?

Class 1 vs Class 2 Hitch Class 1 hitches are different from class 2 hitches in that, generally, class 1 hitches have a lower weight rating. While class 1 maxes out around 2,000 lbs., class 2 is typically rated up to 3,500 lbs.

Do I need a hitch ball for a bike rack?

Do you need a trailer hitch for a bike rack? To use a hitch mount bike rack, you do need a trailer hitch on your vehicle, while roof and trunk racks don’t require a trailer hitch. A trailer hitch can be installed on just about any vehicle – from small hatchbacks to minivans to oversized SUVs.

Which hitch bike rack is best?

The 10 Best Hitch Bike Racks of 2021

• Best Overall: Kuat Sherpa 2.0 at Amazon.
• Best Budget: Thule Camber 2-Bike Hitch Rack at REI.
• Best for Serious Riders: Thule T2 Pro XT 2 at REI.
• Best for Two Bikes: Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack at Amazon.
• Best for Three Bikes: Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Racks at Walmart.

How many bikes can go on a bike rack?

They typically carry two bikes, but you can use extensions to carry up to four bikes.

What is a good bike rack brand?

Here are the best bike racks: Best overall: Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack. Best roof rack: Yakima HighRoad Top Car Bike Rack. Best trunk rack: Saris Bones 3-Bike Trunk Rack. Best lightweight: Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack.

Do bike racks damage your car?

Trunk-mounted bike racks have the greatest potential of causing damage to your car. This type of bike rack sits against the car’s paint and straps to the edges of the trunk. Since this type of rack is always in contact with your car, it can rub against it and cause scratches.

Can bike racks be stolen?

Bikes do get stolen from racks on vehicles, despite built-in locks. But you should never leave your bike on a car rack unattended for long periods of time or overnight—even if the rack is locked. “Locking a bike on a rack is a deterrent that adds more time and effort to a possible theft,” says Chris Ritchie from Thule.

What are the three basic types of trailer hitches?

The Different Types of Trailer Hitches

• Rear Receiver Hitch.
• Front Mount Hitch.
• 5th Wheel Hitch.
• Gooseneck Hitch.
• Pintle Hitch.
• Bumper Hitch.
• Weight Distribution Hitch.

What does hitch class mean?

Each class is designed for a specific trailer weight range. The class of hitch you choose is mostly determined by your vehicle and its towing capacity. The vehicle towing capacity of your vehicle determines what it can be used for. Large trucks and vans are built for larger loads and can use a Class III, IV or V hitch.