Rack for 1.25" hitch - Rad rover and Rad Mini
- Thread starter AOuellet
- Start date
mrgold35
Well-Known Member
The only issue you have to worry about with 1.25" to 2" adapters is long is it and how far the rack+ebikds will stick out away from the bumper. That will reduce the tongue weight you can have hanging off the rear if the extension is too long. Too much weight on the rear can droop the rear too much and raise the front end (headlights too high and might blind on coming traffic and possible reduced handling/steering/braking feel).
Usually; but, not always, tongue weight limits is about 10% of the towing capacity. Having almost +120-150 lbs of ebikes PLUS the weight of the bike rack might already be at the limits or exceeds your tongue weight for the hybrid? It might be an option to hang the rover off the rear on a rack and put the folded mini in the rear seat?
I'm pushing the limits with my two rovers+rack that comes in at 200 lbs for my smaller SUV with 1500lbs tow rating (150lbs tongue weight). I switch to my larger SUV with 500lbs tongue weight if I have to add a 3rd or 4th bike to the rack.
Usually; but, not always, tongue weight limits is about 10% of the towing capacity. Having almost +120-150 lbs of ebikes PLUS the weight of the bike rack might already be at the limits or exceeds your tongue weight for the hybrid? It might be an option to hang the rover off the rear on a rack and put the folded mini in the rear seat?
I'm pushing the limits with my two rovers+rack that comes in at 200 lbs for my smaller SUV with 1500lbs tow rating (150lbs tongue weight). I switch to my larger SUV with 500lbs tongue weight if I have to add a 3rd or 4th bike to the rack.
mrgold35
Well-Known Member
I have a 7 passenger 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid and that is rated for zero towing because of the powertrain. There is a chance Acura might void the 100,000 mile hybrid powertrain warranty with a 2" tow hitch on the rear (even if it is just for bikes). It would suck if a Ford Fusion can tow more than my full size SUV. 
mrgold35
Well-Known Member
I can only do 26- 27 city and up to 27-30 mpg hwy if if take it easy with my hybrid. Considerable step up from 17-20 mpg average in my SUV the hybrid replaced.
J.R.
Erstwhile
- Region
- USA
Is a 1-1/4 to 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter Recommended for Use with a 2 inch Cargo Carrier | etrailer.com
Is a 1-1/4 to 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter Recommended for Use with a 2 inch Cargo Carrier
www.etrailer.com
"Expert Reply:
I would discourage the use of an adapter for use of 2 inch accessories in 1-1/4 inch trailer hitch receivers. The reason is that the adapter places the carrier farther away from the rear of the vehicle and hitch, creating additional torque that 1-1/4 inch hitches, especially Class I hitches, are not designed to handle.
For this reason all 1-1/4 to 2 inch hitch adapters decrease the hitch or vehicle tongue weight capacity, whichever is lowest, by 50 percent, making a class one hitch only capable of 100 pounds, or less, tongue weight.
Another problem is that the extension can cause the carrier to drag when navigating into steep drives or through deep dips, which could cause damage to the carrier, contents, hitch or vehicle frame. We have an informative article on hitch adapters for you to review, see link."
mrgold35
Well-Known Member
Is that tongue weight the limit of the hitch or vehicle? Is the hitch aftermarket or from Ford? Sometimes the hitch might be rated for 350lbs tongue weight while the car is much less.
I see a lot of hybrids have smaller and/or lower hp/tq engines and CVT or DCT transmission for efficiency to go with the electric powertrain. Having a 350 lbs tongue weight seems very high for a car the size of a Ford Fusion? I would guess-i-mate between 1000-2000 lbs towing with 100-200 tongue weight for something in the Fusion size with the non-hybrid regular gas engine?
I think I would double-check on the Ford Fusion Hybrid forums on hitches and bike racks used to see if there are issues or solutions to doing up to 150lbs of ebikes+rack hanging off the rear of your car just to be safe.
mrgold35
Well-Known Member
I did the aftermarket Class III 2" etrailer hidden hitch (350 tongue/3500 max tow) for my 08 Acura RDX awd instead of the factory 1.25" hitch version. My bike rack was 2" and I didn't want to worry about using a 1.25" to 2" converter (my other SUV has a 2" hitch). I still had to stick with the vehicle specs of 150-200lbs tongue and 1500 lbs max towing.
MOTOW
New Member
Our Double eBike/Bike Carrier can be safely used with a 1-1/4” receiver. We will build you one at no extra charge—just note it on your order or contact us. It has a built-in stabilizer, a 200 lb load limit, and weighs 27 lbs. We manufacture them in rust-free stainless steel here in the US. It extends 27.5” from the face of the hitch and will not wobble. We can make other customizations if needed also no charge. It’s built to last. https://MotowUS.com Here’s a YouTube video showing it with 2 eBikes weighing 115 lbs. on I-95. This one has a 2” hitch and the 1-1/4” will be the same.
Attachments
SLYOLDLADY
New Member
I had same problem. This hitch is a little overpriced but well made
https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...2BPnJSf9mDqzgel9NDF7b0QDAJA,cdl:1,prmr:1,cs:1
https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...2BPnJSf9mDqzgel9NDF7b0QDAJA,cdl:1,prmr:1,cs:1
Last edited:
GypsyTreker
Well-Known Member
I use a Swagman Fat Tire rack with a 1.25" hitchend convertible to 2". I use the 1.25 on my CrossTrek Subaru and two inch on my Aliner pop up. I had considered going to a 2" reciever on the Subbie but after many miles now there is zero signs of stress cracks. My eBikes are a Ecotric 26" and 20" fat tire.
MOTOW
New Member
Here's a picture of a MoTow Double eBike carrier with a 1-1/4" hitch. It has a 200 lb. load limit and fits 2 fat tire step through bikes like Rad Power. It is made of rust free stainless steel in Massachusetts, USA, $459 with free shipping US & Canada. See a video of it on a highway here:
Attachments
Similar threads
