How do I know if my car supports a bike hitch rack?
10-05-15, 11:53 AM
#27
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Most 10-year olds could use Google to determine which hitch receptacle rack fits beneath their Corolla, if they had a Corolla. The other option is to use the phone to call the local U-Haul service center, where they can both specify and install a receptacle hitch for any car. So...Google or phone.
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10-05-15, 11:56 AM
#28
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I did not know you can put a hitch on most any car. The price isn't bad but then you think oh I need to buy the bike hitch rack too and it starts to add up. On one of the sites above it said I need to drill to install which bothers me drilling into the frame not all do and yours doesn't. For my car too one brace goes straight up and the other angles out. I'm sure thats where the available bolts or holes or frame is to attach it too but it looks awkward.
As for leaving my trunk rack on. I leave it on. I'm not in a high crime area and i have the $50 rack from the sporting goods store. With the trunk closed it's kind of sinched but easy enough to loosen the straps and it would come off with the trunk closed. In my neighborhood people leave their bikes on the roof rack overnight and i've left mine on the back porch once or twice.
As for leaving my trunk rack on. I leave it on. I'm not in a high crime area and i have the $50 rack from the sporting goods store. With the trunk closed it's kind of sinched but easy enough to loosen the straps and it would come off with the trunk closed. In my neighborhood people leave their bikes on the roof rack overnight and i've left mine on the back porch once or twice.
10-05-15, 12:27 PM
#29
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10-05-15, 12:49 PM
#30
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Hitch mounted rack is definitely the way to go. You can quickly unplug the rack and toss it into the trunk when you're not using it. And, no worries about the rack falling off. (Unless you forget to insert the safety pin). But watch out who you get to install it. Not as simple as you think. Toyotas have heat shields near mufflers & plastic shields around fuel tank that have to be carefully removed, notched, and replaced. Then, you must use a fancy drill apparatus to make four nice holes. Make sure that the shop understands this stuff. And, they don't plan on tossing the shields in the trash.
10-05-15, 12:52 PM
#31
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Except he didn't claim that most 10 year olds know the answer. He wrote that most 10 year olds could use Google to determine which hitch receptacle racks fits beneath their Corolla.
10-05-15, 02:58 PM
#32
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I don't know if the rack style that I referenced above gets stolen any more than any other. It seems that anything on the outside of the car is susceptible to theft, but some methods may have more security features than others. For the system that's installed on trunk, I'm sure there are locking mechanisms out there to deter theft.
10-05-15, 04:30 PM
#33
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I would also like to get rid of my trunk rack because I can't access my hatchback with the rack on. But I'm not willing to fork over the money to have a receiver mounted and by a new rack so I continue to use my trunk rack. I see several trunk racks in my parking garage that seem to be permanent fixtures so I don't worry too much about theft. But that's Fort Worth where the thieves can never be sure when the owner may come back and shoot them. You got to steal expensive stuff.
10-05-15, 05:00 PM
#34
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I appreciate the responses but still need it spelled out for me in a way I can understand as in a 1,2, 3 step process. I am still confused. I would like a hitch, but don't know the steps and who to go to for installation.
10-05-15, 05:15 PM
#35
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I've had trailer hitches installed on 2 vehicles to tow a trailer.
There are in most cities places that specialize in selling and installing trailer hitches and selling the accessories. Sometimes places that specialize in customizing pickup trucks carry hitches. That is the kind of place I would go. Yes, U Haul does do the job as well, but they don't inspire confidence in me, for a number of reasons.
The eTrailer site is a good online reference though, their pricing is good. If you can't find a place locally, and you have a trusted mechanic, then you could order from eTrailer and have your mechanic install it. It is usually around 30 minutes work. It isn't rocket science.
There are in most cities places that specialize in selling and installing trailer hitches and selling the accessories. Sometimes places that specialize in customizing pickup trucks carry hitches. That is the kind of place I would go. Yes, U Haul does do the job as well, but they don't inspire confidence in me, for a number of reasons.
The eTrailer site is a good online reference though, their pricing is good. If you can't find a place locally, and you have a trusted mechanic, then you could order from eTrailer and have your mechanic install it. It is usually around 30 minutes work. It isn't rocket science.
10-05-15, 05:19 PM
#36
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All of the hitches available for the 2001 Corolla say, "Drilling required for installation."
For my 2004 Accord, I got a bolt-on hidden hitch. Took about 30 minutes to install. The rack takes 5 minutes to put on or take off, and I can open the trunk even with two bikes loaded on the rack.
For my 2004 Accord, I got a bolt-on hidden hitch. Took about 30 minutes to install. The rack takes 5 minutes to put on or take off, and I can open the trunk even with two bikes loaded on the rack.
10-05-15, 05:20 PM
#37
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Here is the listing on eTrailer for a 2001 Corolla:
https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2001_Toyota_Corolla.htm
They list the install time as 50 minutes, which is longer than most.
Here is a 2 bike rack that is popular and can fit into that hitch.
https://www.etrailer.com/p-S64670.html
https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2001_Toyota_Corolla.htm
They list the install time as 50 minutes, which is longer than most.
Here is a 2 bike rack that is popular and can fit into that hitch.
https://www.etrailer.com/p-S64670.html
10-05-15, 09:34 PM
#38
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https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2001_Toyota_Corolla.htm
You'll only be able to get a 1 1/4" receiver for a small car. The rack needs to be the same.
You'll only be able to get a 1 1/4" receiver for a small car. The rack needs to be the same.
10-05-15, 09:44 PM
#39
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https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2001_Toyota_Corolla.htm
You'll only be able to get a 1 1/4" receiver for a small car. The rack needs to be the same.
You'll only be able to get a 1 1/4" receiver for a small car. The rack needs to be the same.
10-05-15, 09:51 PM
#40
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This is just to note that I had an excellent experience with e-trailer. My family was planning a trip, and we wanted to take our bikes. You can call U-Haul or a mechanic and get a price quote for installing a hitch on your car. I decided that I could save some money by installing my own. Note that I'm a good general mechanic, and didn't have to buy any extra tools for this project. Two notes:
1. You can download instructions for your model of car, telling you what to do. I checked it out before ordering, to make sure I could handle the job, what tools I would need, etc.
2. The hitch was of fine quality and fit the car exactly. To save money, I didn't buy the tongue, ball, or electrical hookups, as I have no intention of pulling a trailer for now.
It went together without a hitch. (pun intended). I would not call this a beginner project because it involves knowing how to work under your car safely.
1. You can download instructions for your model of car, telling you what to do. I checked it out before ordering, to make sure I could handle the job, what tools I would need, etc.
2. The hitch was of fine quality and fit the car exactly. To save money, I didn't buy the tongue, ball, or electrical hookups, as I have no intention of pulling a trailer for now.
It went together without a hitch. (pun intended). I would not call this a beginner project because it involves knowing how to work under your car safely.
10-06-15, 02:32 AM
#41
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Oh my god guys. I really do appreciate the help. I just have the attention and comprehension span of a knat. Not to mention not having the know hows. I still don't quite understand what I have to do. I can't follow instructions if I buy the hitch and have to install it myself.
10-06-15, 05:25 AM
#42
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You CANNOT be serious...
U-Haul: Trailer hitches and towing accessories
(2) Follow the step-wise process designed for anyone to be able to use.
(3) Print out the result.
(4) Then when it's specified, use the UHaul site to find your nearest store.
(5) Drive your car there. Show them the paper. Give them further information.
(6) Hand over your credit card, or piggy bank full of paper route money.
(7) Sit down, read a magazine, and wait.
(8) Answer when called.
(9) Drive your car with its new hitch home.
(10) Create a new BF thread asking which hitch rack will fit your new receptacle...
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10-06-15, 08:47 AM
#43
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(1) Go to this link...
U-Haul: Trailer hitches and towing accessories
(2) Follow the step-wise process designed for anyone to be able to use.
(3) Print out the result.
(4) Then when it's specified, use the UHaul site to find your nearest store.
(5) Drive your car there. Show them the paper. Give them further information.
(6) Hand over your credit card, or piggy bank full of paper route money.
(7) Sit down, read a magazine, and wait.
(8) Answer when called.
(9) Drive your car with its new hitch home.
(10) Create a new BF thread asking which hitch rack will fit your new receptacle...
U-Haul: Trailer hitches and towing accessories
(2) Follow the step-wise process designed for anyone to be able to use.
(3) Print out the result.
(4) Then when it's specified, use the UHaul site to find your nearest store.
(5) Drive your car there. Show them the paper. Give them further information.
(6) Hand over your credit card, or piggy bank full of paper route money.
(7) Sit down, read a magazine, and wait.
(8) Answer when called.
(9) Drive your car with its new hitch home.
(10) Create a new BF thread asking which hitch rack will fit your new receptacle...
10-06-15, 02:22 PM
#44
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1. Drive to the nearest U-Haul center in your Corolla
2. Go inside and ask them for a hitch for your car
3. Sit in the waiting room and play with your Magic Nose Goblins while they install the hitch
2. Go inside and ask them for a hitch for your car
3. Sit in the waiting room and play with your Magic Nose Goblins while they install the hitch
10-06-15, 03:24 PM
#45
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:-)
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10-06-15, 05:37 PM
#46
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I got a hitch rack for my Mazda 3 a few years ago. I love it. I leave it most of the time so it is ready whenever I need it. I can access the trunk easily. I had my local garage install the hitch.
10-06-15, 06:35 PM
#47
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Oh my god guys. I really do appreciate the help. I just have the attention and comprehension span of a knat. Not to mention not having the know hows. I still don't quite understand what I have to do. I can't follow instructions if I buy the hitch and have to install it myself.
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10-06-15, 07:10 PM
#48
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I was so tempted to do that, but we'd be here all day if we tried to correct all his spelling errors.
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10-06-15, 09:22 PM
#49
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(1) Drive your Corolla to CarMax.
(2) Ask salesman to show you a car or SUV that has a receiver hitch installed.
(3) Trade in your Corolla and buy the new car or SUV. They do the paperwork, you sign on the line.
(4) Drive home.
(2) Ask salesman to show you a car or SUV that has a receiver hitch installed.
(3) Trade in your Corolla and buy the new car or SUV. They do the paperwork, you sign on the line.
(4) Drive home.
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