Which Hitch Receiver Size is Better 1-1/4 inch or 2 Inch

Question

Question:

I was in a severe car accident which damaged by existing hitch and this same model Thule bike rack. When my car is repaired I need to have a new hitch installed and plan to order a new bike rack. My question is, would it be better to have a 1 1/4 or the 2 hitch installed? Is one stronger, safer?

asked by: Pat F

0

Expert Reply:

Sorry to hear about your car accident and your hitch and bike rack being damaged. As far as installing a new hitch, the first thought that comes to mind is, because of the accident, are all the necessary attachment points for a trailer hitch on the frame intact. I recommend asking the shop that is repairing the vehicle if, after it is repaired, would it be safe to install a new trailer hitch.

If the vehicle is given the green light for a new trailer hitch, I recommend a 2 inch receiver. A 2 inch Class III or higher trailer hitch will be stronger just by the nature of how much steel is used and the fact that 2 inch trailer hitches are built larger and with more towing capacity in mind.

The safety factor comes into play in terms of how much stress a 2 inch receiver can take when towing or carrying accessories, which is more than a 1-1/4 inch receiver. With a 2 inch receiver, you get the added benefit of having more options in terms of accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers, and also the type and weight of trailers you can tow. If you have the option, I would definitely go with a 2 inch receiver.

The Thule Helium Aluminum 3 Bike Carrier for 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch Hitches - Tilting - Hitch Mount, # TH9043PRO, will work in either the 1-1/4 inch or 2 inch hitch. A review of this bike rack is posted below.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Ed K.

6/17/2020

I have a 2019 Buick Encore. I’ve never had a hitch, or a rack. I will be transporting a single XL frame Specialized Roll Hybrid bike 80% of the time, and 20% with a second smaller bike. I def want easy access to my trunk hatch. What hitch and rack do you recommend? Can a handyman install it, or will I need a mechanic?

Reply

Chris R.

6/22/2020

For your 2019 Buick Encore the best hitch available is the Draw-Tite Class II # DT32GR, which provides a 2" receiver. It's a pretty simple bolt-on installation so a handyman should be able to take care of it without issue.

Reply

Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

The actual weight difference between the Class III hitches for your CX-5 and the 1-1/4-inch Class II hitches like #C12170 is the same 3-lb difference as between their shipping weights. The weight of the packaging for both hitch classes is essentially…

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Answer 3

Your trailer sounds like it will work just fine based on the dimensions and weight you gave. I simply recommend putting the bunks up as high as possible for your initial loading onto the trailer because the underside of your boat from my research has…

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Answer 4

There is no specific 'best' rise or length of ball mount for a given vehicle. Since the hitch and coupler height of every vehicle and every trailer is different, you'll need to take some measurements. To determine the rise/drop of ball…

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Answer 5

One way to raise the Curt cargo carrier part #C18153 would be to use a Curt hitch adapter part #D210. This has a second hitch opening above the ball mount platform which can give you additional height. Unlike other similar adapters it does not end up…

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Answer 6

The Ecohitch part #306-X7395 and the etrailer hitch part #e43ZR are very similar hitches that fit your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan which accomplish the same goal. They provide a mostly hidden hitch where only the hitch opening hangs below the rear bumper.…

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Answer 7

Yes, the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98848 will fit perfectly on your 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, and will till allow the hands free liftgate feature to work as well if that's something your vehicle is equipped with. You'll just have to…

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Answer 8

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 9

Yes, for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon we have the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch #306-X7601, which like the models you have seen on other vehicles features a sleek hidden crosstube design that allows only the 2" receiver to be visible (see…

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Answer 10

We do have a 2 inch diameter hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank that may work well for you. It is the Curt Hitch Ball, part #A-90. This hitch ball has a shank length of 2-5/8 inches and has a gross towing weight capacity of 10,000 lbs. I have…

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Answer 11

I do have a solution for you, however I reached out to my contact at Yakima and he said the Universal MightyMounts #Y03590 aren't compatible with your older SpaceCase Cargo Box. The mounting hardware for the SpaceCase is a bit different and you…

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Answer 12

No worries, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver, #C65FR is a no drilling needed installation. This is a bolt-on installation with no welding required or drilling of new holes. It uses existing factory hardware to be mounted to holes that already exist.…

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Which Hitch Receiver Size is Better 1-1/4 inch or 2 Inch

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