UPDATED January 2025
The load capacities provided here are conservative numbers made to protect your investment in your bikes. Please check the Hitch Class Rating for your vehicle/hitch as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) will not be the same as an aftermarket hitch. Read this FAQ for more information about hitch safety.
These numbers do not apply when hitch adapters, extenders, swing away arms, or bike covers are used. All of these items put more leverage (stress) on the hitch/crossbar and therefore lower the weight capacities of the rack. Also, use of any of these items will void the warranty.
1.25″ V2 – Mach2
1 bike – 120 lbs
2 bikes – 150 lbs total for both bikes
3 bikes – 120 lbs total for all three bikes
2″ Mach2
1 bike – 120 lbs
2 bikes – 240 lbs total for both bikes
3 bikes – 300 lbs total for all three bikes
4 bikes – 185 lbs total for all four bikes
Even though the 1.25″ rack can hold 150 pounds total and the 2″ rack can carry 300 pounds total, each individual bike rack tray has a weight limit of 120 pounds that cannot be exceeded. Doing so could cause the rack to fail.
The maximum weight for each tray is reduced as the trays get further from the vehicle. That is why trays one and two can hold 120 pounds, but trays three and four cannot. Think about a diving board. As you get further out on the diving board you bend the board more by increasing the force on the end of the board. You also increase the force on the diving board’s attachments to the ground even though you weigh the same. As you add more bikes to the rack with add-ons, you increase the force on the rack frame, especially the attachment point to the car.
Therefore, we highly recommend that you adhere to the weight capacity guidelines listed here, not only for the safety of your bikes but also for the safety of others who are on the road near you. Carrying more weight than is suggested will void the warranty on the product.
