Hitch Rise Adapter and Bike Rack for Best Ground Clearance

Question:

My van hitch has a 525 lb. TW. The hitch is only 10 inches off the ground so it makes it difficult to find a bike rack that doesnt have clearance issues. I was hoping to raise the hitch up a bit with this high-low adapter. In the description is says that the TW will be reduced by 50. Does this mean that the max. weight of the bike rack + bikes should not exceed about 262 lbs.?

asked by: Jeremiah W

Expert Reply:

Yes, your van's hitch would be reduced from 525 lbs to 262.5 lb when using the Roadmaster High Low Adapter part # RM-048-8 that you referenced. This would give you an additional 8 inches of rise so it would be an excellent choice.

For a bike rack (if you don't have one), the Saris SuperClamp EX part # SA4025F would be an excellent choice as it has the highest rise built into the shank at 5 inches and since it's a platform rack it holds the bikes perfectly level which also helps with ground clearance. It's also lighter at 35 lbs which helps with the reduced weight capacity using the adapter.

expert reply by: Jameson C