Strengthen and replace hitch receiver on rear of trailer

[bliss53]

We have a 2024 Passport that has a 1.5-inch receiver on the back that has a listed capacity of 300 pounds. We want to carry two 56-pound bikes. We have a Kuat rack that is rated for the weight and rated for use with an RV, but it requires a 2.5-inch receiver. We tried a 1.5 to 2.0 adapter with an added "u" clamp to tighten the connection but there was a great deal of movement. The bikes looked like they were bouncing on the end of a diving board. We tried a 2.0-inch bumper clamp on receiver with similar results. Has anyone added a 2.0-inch receiver by bolting or welding it to the trailer frame? Any other ideas? We currently carry the bikes over the truck tailgate, but this is difficult to load and takes up bed space. We would prefer to use the bedcover and carry some things in the bed out of the weather.

 

[breal14]

They don't seem to make 1 1/4 (i think that's what you meant) to 2.5 reducers, probably for obvious reasons.

Have you tried sticking something in there, like popsicle sticks or something? some rubber/silicone coupler material? all you really need to do is fill the space with something.

 

[team bradfield]

Can you add a hitch to the front of your truck?

 

[BGMAC]

Can you attach a picture of how you have the U clamps connected? You should use 2. One from the car hitch to the adapter and one from the adapter your bike rack.
Below is a pic on how to use the clamps.