CURT 45036 Trailer Hitch Adapter
The CURT 45036 Trailer Hitch Adapter is a durable, cost-effective choice for tow-focused users; its heavy-steel construction and simple design make it the budget-friendly workhorse in a lineup dominated by more feature-rich mounts. While it lacks the swing-away convenience and premium finish of offerings from Kuat or Thule, it outperforms many rivals on raw strength and price, making it the practical pick when hauling capacity and reliability matter most.
2in-to-1.25in fit — traffic tamer
Solid steel build — tank-mode
2in-to-1.25in fit — traffic tamer
Solid steel build — tank-mode
Review Summary
"Buyers report the CURT 45036 is a heavy-duty, reliable hitch adapter that fits securely and holds up well over time; a few users note minor wobble on older receivers and recommend anti-rattle measures. Overall it's seen as a good-value, durable solution for changing hitch sizes."
Bolt-through security — lock-happy
Converts a 2" receiver to a smaller size for improved compatibility.
Bolt-through security — lock-happy
Converts a 2" receiver to a smaller size for improved compatibility.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The CURT 45036 Trailer Hitch Adapter is a durable, cost-effective choice for tow-focused users; its heavy-steel construction and simple design make it the budget-friendly workhorse in a lineup dominated by more feature-rich mounts. While it lacks the swing-away convenience and premium finish of offerings from Kuat or Thule, it outperforms many rivals on raw strength and price, making it the practical pick when hauling capacity and reliability matter most.
2in-to-1.25in fit — traffic tamer
Solid steel build — tank-mode
Bolt-through security — lock-happy
Converts a 2" receiver to a smaller size for improved compatibility.
Heavy-gauge welded steel with corrosion-resistant finish for longevity.
2in-to-1.25in fit — traffic tamer
Solid steel build — tank-mode
Bolt-through security — lock-happy
Converts a 2" receiver to a smaller size for improved compatibility.
Heavy-gauge welded steel with corrosion-resistant finish for longevity.
$60-120 USD
Yakima EXO SwingBase
The Yakima EXO SwingBase is a versatile swing-away mounting kit that prioritizes vehicle access and modular compatibility, giving outdoor enthusiasts easier clearance than fixed adapters like the CURT. Priced in the mid-range, it strikes a balance between affordability and functionality and offers broader accessory interoperability than the more specialized Kuat or Thule units.
Full swing clearance — car-dance
Tool-free swing — lazy bliss
Full swing clearance — car-dance
Tool-free swing — lazy bliss
Review Summary
"Users praise the Yakima EXO SwingBase for smooth swing-away function, solid construction, and convenient rear access, though some call it pricey and a bit heavy. Long-term owners appreciate its reliability but mention occasional hitch wobble without a stabilizer."
Universal EXO fit — snug hug
Swings away to allow rear vehicle access without uninstalling the rack.
Universal EXO fit — snug hug
Swings away to allow rear vehicle access without uninstalling the rack.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Yakima EXO SwingBase is a versatile swing-away mounting kit that prioritizes vehicle access and modular compatibility, giving outdoor enthusiasts easier clearance than fixed adapters like the CURT. Priced in the mid-range, it strikes a balance between affordability and functionality and offers broader accessory interoperability than the more specialized Kuat or Thule units.
Full swing clearance — car-dance
Tool-free swing — lazy bliss
Universal EXO fit — snug hug
Swings away to allow rear vehicle access without uninstalling the rack.
Purpose-built to integrate with Yakima EXO bike and cargo systems.
Full swing clearance — car-dance
Tool-free swing — lazy bliss
Universal EXO fit — snug hug
Swings away to allow rear vehicle access without uninstalling the rack.
Purpose-built to integrate with Yakima EXO bike and cargo systems.
$450-600 USD
Thule 9056 Camber Hitch Adapter
The Thule 9056 Camber Hitch Adapter is best-in-class for precision engineering and seamless integration with Thule's accessory ecosystem, delivering a refined fit and finish that justify its premium positioning. Although it commands a higher price than simple adapters such as the CURT and 1UP, its alignment accuracy and build quality outshine mid-range swing solutions in applications where accessory compatibility and polished operation are priorities.
Precision camber fit — smooth glide
Anti-wobble tech — Zen commute
Precision camber fit — smooth glide
Anti-wobble tech — Zen commute
Review Summary
"Owners say the Thule 9056 Camber adapter is very well built, provides excellent fit and stability, and integrates cleanly with Thule systems; a few users find it expensive and advise checking compatibility carefully. It’s generally regarded as a premium, trouble-free adapter."
Powdercoat finish — stealthy shine
Adjusts camber/angle to improve rack fit and bike clearance.
Powdercoat finish — stealthy shine
Adjusts camber/angle to improve rack fit and bike clearance.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Thule 9056 Camber Hitch Adapter is best-in-class for precision engineering and seamless integration with Thule's accessory ecosystem, delivering a refined fit and finish that justify its premium positioning. Although it commands a higher price than simple adapters such as the CURT and 1UP, its alignment accuracy and build quality outshine mid-range swing solutions in applications where accessory compatibility and polished operation are priorities.
Precision camber fit — smooth glide
Anti-wobble tech — Zen commute
Powdercoat finish — stealthy shine
Adjusts camber/angle to improve rack fit and bike clearance.
Precision-machined construction for a secure, wobble-minimizing connection.
Precision camber fit — smooth glide
Anti-wobble tech — Zen commute
Powdercoat finish — stealthy shine
Adjusts camber/angle to improve rack fit and bike clearance.
Precision-machined construction for a secure, wobble-minimizing connection.
$150-250 USD
1UP USA Quick Rack Single
The 1UP USA Quick Rack Single is a market-leading minimalist solution that excels for solo riders who need a lightweight, fast-mounting bike carrier at a competitive price. It forgoes multi-bike swing functionality found in Yakima and Kuat for a lower-cost, lower-complexity design, delivering excellent value and day-to-day convenience for single-bike transport.
Quick-release mount — grab-and-go
Low-profile design — wall-hugger
Quick-release mount — grab-and-go
Low-profile design — wall-hugger
Review Summary
"The 1UP USA Quick Rack Single is frequently described as rock-solid, easy to use, and excellent for long-term daily use, with a compact fold-away design users love; some mention the weight but accept it for the added durability. Owners consistently highlight its build quality and trustworthy performance."
Aircraft aluminum — feather-lift
Folds compactly against the vehicle to minimize storage footprint.
Aircraft aluminum — feather-lift
Folds compactly against the vehicle to minimize storage footprint.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The 1UP USA Quick Rack Single is a market-leading minimalist solution that excels for solo riders who need a lightweight, fast-mounting bike carrier at a competitive price. It forgoes multi-bike swing functionality found in Yakima and Kuat for a lower-cost, lower-complexity design, delivering excellent value and day-to-day convenience for single-bike transport.
Quick-release mount — grab-and-go
Low-profile design — wall-hugger
Aircraft aluminum — feather-lift
Folds compactly against the vehicle to minimize storage footprint.
Tool-free installation and adjustable arms for fast, one-person loading.
Quick-release mount — grab-and-go
Low-profile design — wall-hugger
Aircraft aluminum — feather-lift
Folds compactly against the vehicle to minimize storage footprint.
Tool-free installation and adjustable arms for fast, one-person loading.
$500-700 USD
Kuat Pivot v2 Swing Away Adapter
The Kuat Pivot v2 Swing Away Adapter is the premium choice for customers who prioritize unobstructed rear access and refined operation, combining a robust swing mechanism with high-quality materials and integrated conveniences that outclass fixed adapters. Its higher cost reflects advanced engineering and user-centered features, making it the top pick for buyers willing to pay for superior swing performance and finish compared with mid-range options like the Yakima EXO.
360° swing access — trunk-party
Ratcheting hinge — rock-solid lock
360° swing access — trunk-party
Ratcheting hinge — rock-solid lock
Review Summary
"Kuat Pivot v2 users consistently praise its smooth, robust swing-away action, premium finish, and rock-steady stability, calling it one of the best on the market despite the higher price. Long-term reviewers say it performs flawlessly and is worth the investment for frequent users."
Tool-free swing — picnic-friendly
Full swing-away action provides unobstructed trunk and tailgate access.
Tool-free swing — picnic-friendly
Full swing-away action provides unobstructed trunk and tailgate access.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Kuat Pivot v2 Swing Away Adapter is the premium choice for customers who prioritize unobstructed rear access and refined operation, combining a robust swing mechanism with high-quality materials and integrated conveniences that outclass fixed adapters. Its higher cost reflects advanced engineering and user-centered features, making it the top pick for buyers willing to pay for superior swing performance and finish compared with mid-range options like the Yakima EXO.
360° swing access — trunk-party
Ratcheting hinge — rock-solid lock
Tool-free swing — picnic-friendly
Full swing-away action provides unobstructed trunk and tailgate access.
Precision pivot and latch system designed for smooth, quiet operation.
360° swing access — trunk-party
Ratcheting hinge — rock-solid lock
Tool-free swing — picnic-friendly
Full swing-away action provides unobstructed trunk and tailgate access.
Precision pivot and latch system designed for smooth, quiet operation.
$650-900 USD