Trailer Hitch Rack Weight Limits

[Harley431010]

I am looking to buy either a Kuat NV 2 bike rack with a 2 bike add on or a 1Up USA 2 Bike Rack with 2 Add-ons so that I can carry 4 bikes.  Both of these set-ups require a 2" trailer hitch.  My question is, can I use these racks on a Volkswagen Jetta wagon that has a 1 1/4" class two hitch with an adapter to 2"?  The class two hitch is rated to 300 lbs on the tongue and the weight of the racks and 4 bikes will be approximately 165 lbs.

I had someone today tell me that the 1 1/4 to 2" adapter effectively cuts the allowable tongue weight in half, which would be 150 lbs, or slightly under the 4 bike set-up.  Is that advice correct and if so does the 15 lbs  create a significant overload to the capacity of the Jetta and the Class two hitch?

[Mista Bone]

No way I'd do that. Think about the leverage that weight has on the hitch mounting points.

Buy a HF trailer to mount the 4 bikes on to.

[Iowagriz]

Don't do it. I had a 3 bike, 1-1/4, tray style on my car for a bit. With 3 bikes it drooped so much that I had to use rope to pull the bikes back towards the car via the luggage rack. Sold it after that trip. Too much invested in bikes to risk a problem.

[Yagi]

Both good points above... I wouldn't do it, either.  Not to mention, I don't know about the Kuat Rack, but I have a 2-bike 1UPUSA rack on the back of my Jeep, and by itself it's not inherently light.  Cripes, it must be 50-60 pounds by itself..., but damn if it ain't an awesome rack. 

[Harley431010]

Thanks for the replies. I have had some other sources also confirm that a 4 bike rack is absolutely not an option for the back of a Jetta due the weight limitations of the of the hitch.

We will be buying a 2 bike rack from either Kuat or 1Up USA.

[sbear55]

I will never buy another rack that isn't a 1upusa.  I've been to their facility in WI.  Awesome owner and absolutely amazing racks.  Kuat is good but 1up is amazing.