Hitch and 2 inch Adapter Recommendation for a 2014 Mazda 3 for Carrying a Bike Rack

Question:

Good afternoon, Getting ready to order my hitch. I have a question regarding the 1 1/4inch x 2inch 5inch rise adapter. Model HT5R. What hitch do you recommend to use to make sure the adaptor fits and also clears the bumper for a 2014 Mazda 3 hatchback. All Im using this hitch for is a Thule hitch mount bike rack and I never carry more than 2 road bikes so it will always be under 100 lbs. I only have the 2inch Thule 910 XT model though and dont want buy a new hitch mount bike rack. I noticed in a review that the draw tite didnt work with the 4 1/2inch rise adaptor. Thanks

asked by: Erik B

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, but first the reason the MT70355 doesn't fit the Draw TIte hitch part # 24914 is because it will not slide all the way into Class I hitches like the Draw Tite. There is a stop built into the hitch that prevents Class II accessories from installing in Class I hitches.

The adapter part # 24914 is Class I compatible so it will fit the Draw Tite hitch and work well. But as you may already know, adapters like this cut the capacity of the hitch in half. The Draw Tite has a 200 lb capacity so you would be limited to 100 lbs.

Now the other issue is that you said you have a Thule bike rack part # TH910XT. This is a trunk mounted bike rack and not a hitch rack. I am sure you have a hitch rack, but I just wanted to point this out since there is no way to install a trunk rack in a hitch.

expert reply by: Jameson C