Opinion on 1 1/4" receiver hitch

I have this bike rack that is designed for a 2" receiver hitch.  

It's a simplistic rack but it does have the option to pull the pin and the upright tilts for hatch opening w/o removal.  I paid $25 for the rack, used, a few years back.  

I'd like to put a hitch on the Prius and use the bike rack with the Prius.  The challenge is there seems to be only one company that offers a 2" receiver hitch for a Gen2 Prius and that is Eco-Hitch @ $365 and listed elsewhere at $399.  I have not found anywhere cheaper and nothing used via FB or Ebay.  
New, 1 1/4" Prius hitches go about $200-$150 for new.  I found a rusty used one about 1hr away for $50.  I then came across an Amazon return for $135.  I'm considering buying that.  

The main question I have is, "in conjunction with the bike rack does an adapter like this seem like a good idea to you?"  

Would a version like this be any better?

The only issue I would have with that adapter is that it sticks the bike rack out farther.  

But I would suggest a different solution- get some 1" square tubing, and remake the rack.  That design is a pretty easy one to copy in a DIY manner.

For a bike rack only, I think I'd be comfortable using the first option. 

I'd go with the second just for clearance, depending on the angle and height of the hitch when mounted on the Prius. 
 

If you are concerned about sway and wiggle, use a couple cam straps from bike frames to the left and right side of the receiver hitch cross tube. 

Either will be fine for a bike rack.  I wouldn't really put too much thought into one vs the other, just buy the one you like

I have a 1 1/4" receiver on my Prius and there is a bike rack on it 95% of the time.  If you use the adapter ditch the pin that it comes with and use a bolt you can tighten.  Otherwise you double the opportunity for the rack to sway back and forth.  

My 1 1/4" rack has a bolt instead of a pin for exactly this reason.

Ohh, a bolt is a good idea.  Maybe I'll add two big fender washers too.  Or , a locking washer too

This will sound like a strange suggestion, but how about a different rack?  I found dozens of really nice ones for $50.  I found one that fits both and has an adapter and a wedge-tightening thing to prevent rocking.  It's super sweet and was only $40.

You could also potentially contact the manufacturer and order just the insert part for a 1-1/4".  Probably two bolts to swap them out.

Another thought... weld a 2" chunk of tube beside the 1-1/4 receiver.  Nothing says the bike rack needs to be centered on the vehicle.  Or, if you'll never use it for anything but a bike rack, weld the 2" chunk of tube right over the 1.25" part.

I used the top one for a bike rack and a utility carrier.

How heavy is the load?  Honestly the adapter works, used it to carry a 50 pound 3 wheeler on a cargo tray.  Wobbled a lot but it was only a 3 mile drive.  The welding option also sounds good or the wobble eliminating clamps if you weld like me.  

I've used the first adapter on a cargo rack with no issues.

But instead of messing around with all that I'd just buy another <$50 bike rack that fits the hitch directly. I had good luck with the harbor freight rack, there is/was a slightly nicer version on amazon for a few bucks more if you're feeling fancy.

My

mother has been using a bike rack in the top one for a few years and it's been working fine. . 

I would either use either of the adapters, or else pony up for the 2" receiver on the grounds of "The $200 difference is worth it so that I only have 2" receivers". 

alfadriver said:

The only issue I would have with that adapter is that it sticks the bike rack out farther.  

But I would suggest a different solution- get some 1" square tubing, and remake the rack.  That design is a pretty easy one to copy in a DIY manner.

Or just cut off the 2" insert and weld on the 1.25" one.