Expert: Mike Evans - 6/6/2010

Question
Hi Mike,

I hope you can answer this question - I have a 2001 Toyota Camry and I'm looking to buy a 4-bicycle rack to put on the back of the car, which, unfortunately requires a hitch. I'm told by the bike shop I have more options with a 2-inch hitch but UHaul (who puts hitches on vehicles) is telling me I can only get a 1 and a quarter inch hitch. I'm not looking to tow, just put a bike rack on. Do they make 2-inch hitches for sedans or am I out of luck?

Thanks so much. I do appreciate the help.

Mike

Answer
    They don't make two-inch hitches for these cars.  A two-inch hitch is rated anywhere from 3500 to 5000 pounds towing capacity.  Neither your drivetrain or chassis structure is up to that kind of load, so they don't make a hitch that size for it.  This is mostly because people would eventually try to tow something heavy, even though they've been told not to.  The hitch companies do make an adapter that will fit in the smaller hitch which allows you to use a two-inch bake rack.  It has a bunch of lawyer-talk on it warning you not to tow with it.  Using the adapter is probably your best bet.