I just installed a curt hitch. Any suggestions for a bike rack for this hitch? I bought a Yakima doubledown 4, to use with just 2 bikes, but I'm not sure about it because it states that it is for class II and above, and the curt is class I. It also sticks out quite a distance. Anyone else have this rack? Any problems? I may return the Yakima, or should I just go with it?
I have the Coastal hitch and an older Yakima 4-bike rack that looks like the predecessor to the Double Down. At first it was a little bouncy, but my sweetie welded an extra piece on the hitch (as recommended in another thread from long ago) and it's rock solid now. We only put two bikes on it, but they're both heavy bikes.
Got the Curt Hitch 1 1/4 and Draw-Tight Wiring Harness Re-pinned to work with the Prius. I use a Yakima BigHorn 4 with the 1 1/4" and 2" interchangeable adapters. Works great with 3 heavy beach cruisers.:fish2:
Wow - I'm a bit shocked that your class II device fits your class I hitch. Technically, it should not. Here's a pic of my set-up. I have the curt hitch with a hollywood rack. The rack is very light (around 24 lbs) and folds down. It also has a nice rise built in to prevent any dragging on sharp transitions such as driveways. These racks are relatively cheap and sold under a variety of names. I have it set up for only 1 bike in these pix, but it will hold up to 2 bikes. I can easily fold this rack up, and put it in the back of the Prius. ... Brad
I spoke with Yakima, and the rep said that it's class II and above because class I hitches bottom out, so the rack can't go in far enough to get the pin in. So, even though it says class II and above, if you can get it into a class I hitch far enough to get the pin in, then it's OK.
I also have a class 1 hitch and bought the Thule T-2. Thule makes it for both a class 1 and class 2 hitch. I've had mine for a few months now and would highly recommend it.
Well, Yakima was selling the rack .... so I guess that's their story, and you may very well be fine. My concern regarding this Yakima rack would be with the weight (since it seems to stick out - leverage plays a big role here), and perhaps ground clearance. Let us know how you do with this rack. Can you post a pic or two?? ... Brad
XPORT Flatbed 2-Bike Hitch Rack @ Performance Bicycle Here's one for less than the Yak, plus they make a 4 bike one but that needs an adapter to work with 1 1/4" hitch. I've used this one for years and it works great, I add a bungee and lock though for added security and as a double insurance against failure of the holding hook. I've done this on all the racks I've had, I just don't trust any of the stock mounts.
I'm using the XPORT Flatbed 2-Bike hitch. A few trips so far, works well. In the parking lot I undo it and store in the Prius, go riding with my wife, then reinstall it. I use the bike wire lock to hold the bikes together when I'm not using them, like driving to a restaurant.
I went shopping for a hitch rack yesterday, looking for one of the recommended carriers, but found the Thule Roadway 912, 2 bike hitch that retails for $200 for $140. It weighed in at under 30 lbs. Total weight with bikes is around 100 lbs. I couldn't pass it up. I will post pics. after I get 2 bikes on it and give it a try. Thanks for all the input!
hmm, a yakima 2 bike doubledown is only like 30 lbs, whereas a thule t2 is 56lbs. I think as long as the doubledown fits securely in the receiver, you're fine. I also have this same setup and was researching whether or not I "needed" to get a hitch specifically for a class 1 hitch
