Advantages of 2-Inch Hitch Over 1-1/4-Inch Hitch for 2019 Mazda CX-5

Question:

Ill be picking up a new car soon a 2019 Mazda CX-5. I want to put a hitch on it and need to choose between a 2inch and 1 ¼. I only ever use the hitch to carry two bikesnever towing. I have a Thule Helium Aero 2 rack. It is natively 1 ¼inch and I use it that way on my current car. But it has an adapter that would let me use it on a 2inch hitch. Which solution would be most stable? My bikes are fairly heavy clunkers and I dont like the rack to sway from side to side. Is a 2inch with an adapter or a 1 ¼inch without an adapter more stable? Thanks.

asked by: Ed S

Expert Reply:

We almost always recommend a 2-inch hitch option over a 1-1/4-inch when there is a choice. This is for 2 reasons: the higher weight capacity of the larger size and its broader compatibility with the available range of hitch-mount accessories, more of which are made to fit 2-inches hitches than 1-1/4-inch hitches.

In terms of stability in the hitch your Thule Helium Pro 2 rack # TH9042PRO may be very slightly more stable when used in a 1-1/4-inch hitch like Draw-Tite Class II # 36601 that does not require you to use the 2-inch adapter # TH8523185001. In truth, I doubt you'd notice the difference, and so I still tend to favor the 2-inch hitch # 76138 since it has a 675-lb tongue weight rating as compared to the 350-lb rating for 1-1/4-inch hitch # 36601. Either way, you can reduce some of the rack motion by adding a support strap # 18050.

Please note that the hitch you referenced, Curt # C13409, is not a fit for your CX-5.

expert reply by: Adam R