Brittanyd890

I just downsized from a Kia Sorento to a Honda civic and currently have the saris bones 3 rack. I have been considering adding a hitch to my civic and getting a hitch rack instead so that I can still access my trunk when a bike is on the car. Are there any other advantages to a rack that attaches via hitch? The investment for the hitch mount is at least $500 (300 on adding hitch and 200 for new rack) what do you guys think?

JerrySTL

I've had hitch racks on my last two vehicles. Not scratching the paint is a plus.

You may be able to save money on the rack it you don't plan on using it except for the bike rack. In that case you don't need the wiring installed. You can also save money if you do it yourself. Some vehicles are really easy to install a hitch. Others are a total PITA though. Most on-line hitch sellers can tell you the level of difficulty.

tom4416

First, look on Amazon for a Curt hitch that fits the Civic. I just put one on my Accord and installation was very simple - no drilling, cutting, etc. Took me about an hour and most of that was crawling around under the car looking for whatever tool I just dropped. I have an Allen rack, also from Amazon about two years ago, that has served me well. I know it's low end but frankly, I couldn't see anything "better" about the high end units. My bike has been across country on that rack without issue and IIRC, it was less than $80, shipped for the three back setup. The hitch was $110. So, less than $200 total and 1 hours work and it is so much easier than position bikes on the trunk rack, no more scratches and still have access to the trunk. The rack comes with adapters for either 1-1/4 or 2" receivers so I can move it from my 4Runner to the Accord in just a few minutes.

cafzali

In addition to not damaging your car, hitch racks are more friendly to your bike in that you can secure them and not have to worry about your front wheel touching the trunk constantly, etc. Some will tell you roof racks are the ultimate since your frame doesn't come in contact with the rack, but most feel they're not quite as user friendly, you've got to be vigilant about clearance, etc. I have a 4-bike Thule hitch rack and love it.

Bravin Neff

The hitch rack is very convenient. I have this one and highly recommend it (I also bought it from them): https://www.rackattack.com/product-pa...orm-system.asp

LOOK AT THE PRICE on that thing. I don't think you'll find a Saris, Thule, Swagman, whatever that is comparable at that price. Note that it has locks on both the bike stays and also the hitch.

Just sayin.

themishmosh

Love my hitch rack. Install it yourself--not hard if you have basic hand tools.

scooter bopp

We started using hitch racks on all our small cars when the gas prices skyrocketed and I parked my pickup. So far I had hitches installed for the bike rack on a Carolla, a Mazda6, two Mazda3s and a Mazda5. None of which I would ever consider towing with. (Thats why I have my truck). I looked at the installation instructions and the easy ones I installed myself, the rest I let the hitch place install. We tried a trunk mount and a roof rack but the hitch mount just worked best for us. I always worried that my wife would forget about the roofrack and knock it off.
We have had one similar to the one posted above for years.
https://www.rackattack.com/product-pa...orm-system.asp

DowneasTTer

I wouldn't have any other kind. In fact I haven't have any other kind for about 15 years or so. No problems with car paint, strap problems etc. Worth every penny. But, spend a little more and get a GOOD rack. Cheap ones will damage the paint on your new bike. The one I'm currently using on all my cars (audi TT, smart carbio, Fiat 500c and even my motorhome) is a Kuat NV... it's quite pricey but again well worth it. The bikes don't touch each other, I can open the trunks without any issue as can be seen in this pic of our two Giant Escape RX 0's on AJ, our Fiat 500c. Also the rack don't each touch the bike itself, just the front tire and rear rim. BTW, you got a great bike....

giantcfr1

You have posted on this forum only 2 times and asked basically the same questions. You didn't even respond to the answers on your other post. What's the go? Trolling, spamming?

ChiefTJS

I put a hitch on my Ford Focus for about a hundred and fifty bucks and got a used Hollywood rack for twenty bucks on Craigs List. Bought a locking hitch pin and the piece that was missing from the Hollywood rack for about sixty five bucks. All total $235.00 and it works flawlessly and is amazingly better than the strap on rack I had. Could probably get twenty bucks for the old rack to lower the cost even more.

erg79

It's times like this when I wish that new posters had to reach a certain number of posts before they could start their own threads.

mirandaspits

I appreciate the feedback you guys have given even though I wasn't the poster. I've been throwing the idea around of either a roof rack, trunk or hitch rack for some time for my Corolla. I'd like to take my family out on trails and they're too scared to drive through the city to get to them. I think I've found an answer to something I didn't even ask.

PatrickGSR94

$500 for a hitch bar and rack is outrageous. I got a hitch bar for my Integra and a Thule platform-style hitch rack for just over $300 from e-Trailers. When not in use the whole rack folds up behind the car.



I added the reflective tape myself.