Hitch receivers instead of towbars

[TTB]

Hi - does anyone know if hitch receivers are available in the UK (1.25")?

It would be for a bike rack on a 2 series BMW - finding it hard to get a clear answer

[donkmeister]

TTB said:

Hi - does anyone know if hitch receivers are available in the UK (1.25")?

It would be for a bike rack on a 2 series BMW - finding it hard to get a clear answer

They're rare. Some will claim receiver hitches are illegal but the problem isn't that hitch receivers are illegal, the problem is that few have EC type approval. Generally pick-up trucks and a few LR products are all you'll see.

For a BMW you'll find it cheaper and easier to just fit a euro standard removable towball. Bike racks that clamp to a towball are fine, I've been using one for years.

If you simply MUST have a hitch;
1) you'll need to import it
2) they're not designed to hold a 13-pin socket so you need to add a plate using u-bolts
3) you need to be sure not to leave the hitch in come MOT time.
4) they rattle, which for a bike rack translates to bikes moving about alarmingly in the rear view mirror. So you need an antirattle plate
5) the max rating of 1.25" hitches is 3,500lb. Fine for a bike rack of course. But limits you for the future.