2" hitch adapter for 1.25" bike rack
05-24-23, 07:05 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
2" hitch adapter for 1.25" bike rack
anyone using one? got pics? any suggestions for a good one?
my last car had a 1.25" hitch, which fit my 2 bike racks well. they each have their own threaded locking bolts
replaced the car & getting a 2" hitch installed this weekend, so I'll have to use an adapter. I think I have one in the basement somewhere. I believe it is a sleeve style & not an extension style. hoping all the holes line up, etc
my last car had a 1.25" hitch, which fit my 2 bike racks well. they each have their own threaded locking bolts
replaced the car & getting a 2" hitch installed this weekend, so I'll have to use an adapter. I think I have one in the basement somewhere. I believe it is a sleeve style & not an extension style. hoping all the holes line up, etc
05-24-23, 07:38 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 6,693
Bikes: Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS, Trek CheckPoint SL7, Trek Emonda ALR 6, Trek FX 5 Sport
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 688 Post(s)
Liked 1,531 Times
in
908 Posts
I have a buddy that has one of these. Works very well and does not have any rocking. The locking bolt is only off by about a 1/3 of an inch, so the front of the sleeve does not sit too far outside the receiver.
https://www.amazon.com/Rage-Powerspo.../dp/B009NUY4PU
https://www.amazon.com/Rage-Powerspo.../dp/B009NUY4PU
Likes For jaxgtr:
05-24-23, 07:47 AM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
I have a buddy that has one of these. Works very well and does not have any rocking. The locking bolt is only off by about a 1/3 of an inch, so the front of the sleeve does not sit too far outside the receiver.
https://www.amazon.com/Rage-Powerspo.../dp/B009NUY4PU
https://www.amazon.com/Rage-Powerspo.../dp/B009NUY4PU
05-24-23, 12:42 PM
#4
With a mighty wind
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,478
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1033 Post(s)
Liked 804 Times
in
455 Posts
Kuat, and I’m sure others, have a system that tightens down the rack to avoid the rocking. The threaded bolt style still rock, just a little less than with a hitch pin.
I don’t think this affects safety but it is annoying.
So if you do get one of those sleeves from the above post, don’t be surprised if it rocks a little.
I’m going the opposite direction, since my rack is 2”. I want to be able to swap between my vehicles. I’ve ordered an adapter and this thing https://a.co/d/ixy5f8x
It’ll basically lock my adapter in place. I’ll be using mine from the hitch to the adapter. I think you could use it from your hitch to the rack (with adapter sleeve inside) if your square pipe section is steel (probably). You will lose the ability to quickly remove the rack, if that matters to you.
I don’t think this affects safety but it is annoying.
So if you do get one of those sleeves from the above post, don’t be surprised if it rocks a little.
I’m going the opposite direction, since my rack is 2”. I want to be able to swap between my vehicles. I’ve ordered an adapter and this thing https://a.co/d/ixy5f8x
It’ll basically lock my adapter in place. I’ll be using mine from the hitch to the adapter. I think you could use it from your hitch to the rack (with adapter sleeve inside) if your square pipe section is steel (probably). You will lose the ability to quickly remove the rack, if that matters to you.
Likes For rosefarts:
05-24-23, 05:43 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 6,693
Bikes: Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS, Trek CheckPoint SL7, Trek Emonda ALR 6, Trek FX 5 Sport
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 688 Post(s)
Liked 1,531 Times
in
908 Posts
Kuat, and I’m sure others, have a system that tightens down the rack to avoid the rocking. The threaded bolt style still rock, just a little less than with a hitch pin.
I don’t think this affects safety but it is annoying.
So if you do get one of those sleeves from the above post, don’t be surprised if it rocks a little.
I’m going the opposite direction, since my rack is 2”. I want to be able to swap between my vehicles. I’ve ordered an adapter and this thing https://a.co/d/ixy5f8x
It’ll basically lock my adapter in place. I’ll be using mine from the hitch to the adapter. I think you could use it from your hitch to the rack (with adapter sleeve inside) if your square pipe section is steel (probably). You will lose the ability to quickly remove the rack, if that matters to you.
I don’t think this affects safety but it is annoying.
So if you do get one of those sleeves from the above post, don’t be surprised if it rocks a little.
I’m going the opposite direction, since my rack is 2”. I want to be able to swap between my vehicles. I’ve ordered an adapter and this thing https://a.co/d/ixy5f8x
It’ll basically lock my adapter in place. I’ll be using mine from the hitch to the adapter. I think you could use it from your hitch to the rack (with adapter sleeve inside) if your square pipe section is steel (probably). You will lose the ability to quickly remove the rack, if that matters to you.
05-24-23, 06:06 PM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
thank you
my threaded locking bolts work very well. there is no wobble or rattle at the hitch
however, both racks have some movement at their elbow, so I stop that with curt stabilizer straps
using a generic hitch pin, w/ a hitch rack, is just dumb. I don't know why rack manufacturers like Allen, leave their customers to find their own solutions
anyway, back to why I started this thread: 1.25" to 2" adapters
I found (2) 1.25" to 2" adapters in my basement
my small Allen rack (522rr) came w/ an adapter, but I couldn't find it, so I ordered a new one directly from the manufacturer
https://allen.bike/products/hitch-rack-filler-plate
a cpl pics for now,
Swagman shank w/ it's own dedicated adapter & a threaded locking bolt
fwiw, related, is my hitch cargo carrier tray, showing it's threaded bolt hole. haven't used it in a while, if I do needed it I'll have to figure out which adapter works best
the thing I ordered, an Allen brand, Spare Part 532FP, specifically for my little rack
the threaded locking bolt that I use on my small Allen rack. I used it w/o the locking end cap. as mentioned above the spring loaded nut is inserted into hollow shanks & lined up w/ whatever hole one is using
they also make this version w/o a locking cap
Let's Go Aero (SHP 2081) Class I Lockable Silent Hitch Pin
https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Go-Aero-...e%2C173&sr=1-8
this is what mine looks like, inside the Allen 522rr rack shank
my threaded locking bolts work very well. there is no wobble or rattle at the hitch
- 1 threads directly into the solid Swagman shank
- 1 uses a spring loaded nut inserted into the hollow shank on my Allen rack
however, both racks have some movement at their elbow, so I stop that with curt stabilizer straps
using a generic hitch pin, w/ a hitch rack, is just dumb. I don't know why rack manufacturers like Allen, leave their customers to find their own solutions
anyway, back to why I started this thread: 1.25" to 2" adapters
I found (2) 1.25" to 2" adapters in my basement
- 1 is for my Swagman Titan, so that rack should be all set
- the other seems to be a generic sleeve, that maybe I got w/ some other used rack, which I no longer have
my small Allen rack (522rr) came w/ an adapter, but I couldn't find it, so I ordered a new one directly from the manufacturer
https://allen.bike/products/hitch-rack-filler-plate
a cpl pics for now,
Swagman shank w/ it's own dedicated adapter & a threaded locking bolt
fwiw, related, is my hitch cargo carrier tray, showing it's threaded bolt hole. haven't used it in a while, if I do needed it I'll have to figure out which adapter works best
the thing I ordered, an Allen brand, Spare Part 532FP, specifically for my little rack
the threaded locking bolt that I use on my small Allen rack. I used it w/o the locking end cap. as mentioned above the spring loaded nut is inserted into hollow shanks & lined up w/ whatever hole one is using
they also make this version w/o a locking cap
Let's Go Aero (SHP 2081) Class I Lockable Silent Hitch Pin
https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Go-Aero-...e%2C173&sr=1-8
this is what mine looks like, inside the Allen 522rr rack shank
Last edited by rumrunn6; 05-24-23 at 06:58 PM.
05-25-23, 07:23 AM
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
seems like every 1.25" bike rack has their own dedicated 2" adapter. was interesting watching the customer video for this
HAUL-MASTER Two Bike Hitch Mount Bike Rack from Harbor Freight
https://www.harborfreight.com/two-bi...ack-63924.html
& if I don't like using my adapters, it's nice to know I can get a light, inexpensive 2" rack w/ folding arms, like this
LITE-WAY 2” Trailer Hitch Bicycle Rack
https://www.amazon.com/LITE-WAY-2-Bi...ef_=nav_signin
for my own refernce, never really cared for my 1.25" Swagman Titan 4 bike rack. it weighs a ton & the elbow always had an annoying wiggle (not at the hitch), which their customer service dept. was never able to resolve. I resolved it w/ a cpl Curt stability straps. don't know if I'll ever need a 4 bike rack again, now that my adults kids don't live at home anymore & family vacations now seem to be using 2 cars anyway ...
HAUL-MASTER Two Bike Hitch Mount Bike Rack from Harbor Freight
https://www.harborfreight.com/two-bi...ack-63924.html
& if I don't like using my adapters, it's nice to know I can get a light, inexpensive 2" rack w/ folding arms, like this
LITE-WAY 2” Trailer Hitch Bicycle Rack
https://www.amazon.com/LITE-WAY-2-Bi...ef_=nav_signin
for my own refernce, never really cared for my 1.25" Swagman Titan 4 bike rack. it weighs a ton & the elbow always had an annoying wiggle (not at the hitch), which their customer service dept. was never able to resolve. I resolved it w/ a cpl Curt stability straps. don't know if I'll ever need a 4 bike rack again, now that my adults kids don't live at home anymore & family vacations now seem to be using 2 cars anyway ...
Last edited by rumrunn6; 05-25-23 at 07:35 AM.
05-25-23, 05:54 PM
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
got aggressive w/ a hard target search in my basement & turned up 3 more adapters!
1 appears to be the same as what I ordered, except that the 2 holes don't line up with 2 holes in the rack. so maybe there was a small change in design. this one is not brand new as if it came w/ my current rack. I must have acquired it w/ the last rack. I was rear ended and had to replace the rack. so, hoping the new rack will accept the new adapter I ordered
but I never used an adapter, so I don't know for sure where this one came from
I suppose I can use the adapter I have w/o the set screw to hold it all together, so long as I have everything lined up, the 1 threaded locking bolt might be enough (but I wonder if I'll need a longer one, I do have others ...)
Allen rack shank
the one on the far left is plastic!
bad pic of another adapter that is basically a metal sleeve, with an inside 1.25" insert at one end. it's all welded together
gonna have to get the hitch installed, before experimenting w/ what I have & what is on order
1 appears to be the same as what I ordered, except that the 2 holes don't line up with 2 holes in the rack. so maybe there was a small change in design. this one is not brand new as if it came w/ my current rack. I must have acquired it w/ the last rack. I was rear ended and had to replace the rack. so, hoping the new rack will accept the new adapter I ordered
but I never used an adapter, so I don't know for sure where this one came from
I suppose I can use the adapter I have w/o the set screw to hold it all together, so long as I have everything lined up, the 1 threaded locking bolt might be enough (but I wonder if I'll need a longer one, I do have others ...)
Allen rack shank
the one on the far left is plastic!
bad pic of another adapter that is basically a metal sleeve, with an inside 1.25" insert at one end. it's all welded together
gonna have to get the hitch installed, before experimenting w/ what I have & what is on order
Last edited by rumrunn6; 05-25-23 at 07:10 PM.
05-26-23, 06:00 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 1,605
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 765 Post(s)
Liked 1,526 Times
in
725 Posts
I've got this adapter that came with my rack. Not going to use it. It's solid aluminum. If you think you can use it, just let me know - yours for the price of shipping.
Likes For Bald Paul:
05-26-23, 07:01 AM
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
Likes For rumrunn6:
05-26-23, 07:21 PM
#11
Senior Member
Last year I bought a Reese Explore batwing style carrier. It's been sitting in my garage for months. Just mounted it yesterday. It has a 2" adapter that is just two pieces of angle iron. But it's so cheap, they're not even as long as the 1.25" shank. They don't bolt together or anything. The only thing that holds them in place is when the pin goes through. The whole rack moves all over the place. Seriously disappointing. I would not recommend this rack at all.
Likes For VegasJen:
05-27-23, 05:27 AM
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
If the OP doesn't take it, I'm interested.
Last year I bought a Reese Explore batwing style carrier. It's been sitting in my garage for months. Just mounted it yesterday. It has a 2" adapter that is just two pieces of angle iron. But it's so cheap, they're not even as long as the 1.25" shank. They don't bolt together or anything. The only thing that holds them in place is when the pin goes through. The whole rack moves all over the place. Seriously disappointing. I would not recommend this rack at all.
Last year I bought a Reese Explore batwing style carrier. It's been sitting in my garage for months. Just mounted it yesterday. It has a 2" adapter that is just two pieces of angle iron. But it's so cheap, they're not even as long as the 1.25" shank. They don't bolt together or anything. The only thing that holds them in place is when the pin goes through. The whole rack moves all over the place. Seriously disappointing. I would not recommend this rack at all.
surprised more ppl aren't chiming in about their adapters
fwiw, I found a bunch on Amazon that I bookmarked. but I think if the OEM adapter doesn't work well with it's own brand rack shank, then I'm gonna just a get a rack w/ a 2" shank. anyway these are the ones I bookmarked on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ALL1W1Y...v_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NUY4PU...v_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077D25HQL...v_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001J7PC60...v_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NPB4V10...v_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TC9WZM9...v_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074HFSHYD...v_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099WP4MDT...v_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R4YD16B...v_ov_lig_dp_it
05-27-23, 07:57 PM
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
mission accomplished
didn't receive the adapter that is supposed to match the rack, yet. chose the metal one w/ an open side. positioned it on it's side, so that the open side was facing right, toward the locking bolt, so that my locking bolt could easily reach the nut inside, the rack's shank. I have another w/ an open side, but that one is plastic
might add a larger washer cuz I think the hole in the 2" hitch is 5/8" not 1/2" like I'm used to (w/ the last hitch, which was 1 1/4")
not sure what I'll do w/ the rack's oem adapter when it arrives
didn't receive the adapter that is supposed to match the rack, yet. chose the metal one w/ an open side. positioned it on it's side, so that the open side was facing right, toward the locking bolt, so that my locking bolt could easily reach the nut inside, the rack's shank. I have another w/ an open side, but that one is plastic
might add a larger washer cuz I think the hole in the 2" hitch is 5/8" not 1/2" like I'm used to (w/ the last hitch, which was 1 1/4")
not sure what I'll do w/ the rack's oem adapter when it arrives
Last edited by rumrunn6; 05-28-23 at 05:48 AM.
05-27-23, 11:34 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,529
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 996 Post(s)
Liked 1,017 Times
in
658 Posts
anyone using one? got pics? any suggestions for a good one?
my last car had a 1.25" hitch, which fit my 2 bike racks well. they each have their own threaded locking bolts
replaced the car & getting a 2" hitch installed this weekend, so I'll have to use an adapter. I think I have one in the basement somewhere. I believe it is a sleeve style & not an extension style. hoping all the holes line up, etc
my last car had a 1.25" hitch, which fit my 2 bike racks well. they each have their own threaded locking bolts
replaced the car & getting a 2" hitch installed this weekend, so I'll have to use an adapter. I think I have one in the basement somewhere. I believe it is a sleeve style & not an extension style. hoping all the holes line up, etc
Likes For Camilo:
05-31-23, 04:51 AM
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
well, got my Allen adapter & I'll try it out later today, I think. looks like another that I have, which I was not able to use because holes didn't line up & the small set screw didn't mate w/ a threaded hole in the shank. maybe the thread pitch will match up w/ this one
for Allen rack #522rr
Allen adapter part #532FP
for Allen rack #522rr
Allen adapter part #532FP
Last edited by rumrunn6; 05-31-23 at 07:24 AM.
06-01-23, 07:26 AM
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
well, got my Allen adapter & I'll try it out later today, I think. looks like another that I have, which I was not able to use because holes didn't line up & the small set screw didn't mate w/ a threaded hole in the shank. maybe the thread pitch will match up w/ this one
for Allen rack #522rr
Allen adapter part #532FP
for Allen rack #522rr
Allen adapter part #532FP
according to the manufacturer's video, this is what it should look like
set screw in the hole at the end of the shank
leaving the large hole available for the hitch pin, or threaded bolt
however, in real life, the holes do not line up, as seen in the video
& why does my shank have a little threaded hole anyway?
already spent too much time trying to figure this out. maybe the original rack didn't come w/ adapter plates? maybe they changed the adapter plates since I got the rack? or maybe the rack came with the adapter I am using, because it seems to work perfectly. I just didn't label the thing in my basement, so I have no memory of where it came from, but it works, so does it matter?
threaded bolt w/ a single lock washer
06-01-23, 07:45 AM
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
then I moved on to the larger Swagman Titan
those L plates match up perfectly using it's set screw
(I checked to see if it's plates would work on the Allen rack, but they do not)
checked the fit & w/ it's threaded bolt
works as expected, no rattle or wiggle at the hitch
it does stand out further from the car, but it is what it is, & it's always been like that w/ the 2 previous autos I've used it on
I used Curt bike rack stability straps to eliminate any other movement or worries, so it's all good
btw flipflops make OK knee pads
I believe I've beat this dead horse adequately for now, but one never knows ...
anyway, not running out to buy new racks, that fit a 2" receiver w/o adapters, right now
those L plates match up perfectly using it's set screw
(I checked to see if it's plates would work on the Allen rack, but they do not)
checked the fit & w/ it's threaded bolt
works as expected, no rattle or wiggle at the hitch
it does stand out further from the car, but it is what it is, & it's always been like that w/ the 2 previous autos I've used it on
I used Curt bike rack stability straps to eliminate any other movement or worries, so it's all good
btw flipflops make OK knee pads
I believe I've beat this dead horse adequately for now, but one never knows ...
anyway, not running out to buy new racks, that fit a 2" receiver w/o adapters, right now
06-02-23, 08:50 AM
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
08-06-23, 05:42 AM
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,407
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5182 Post(s)
Liked 3,489 Times
in
2,290 Posts
gave the larger, heavier Titan rack a real world test w/ 3 bikes a few weeks ago. worked fine. but if I didn't already have 1.25" racks I would def. get 2" racks to avoid the adapters. who needs the extra parts in the equation? glad I use stability straps. more points of contact = more stability & safety
