Options for Carrying 4 Bikes on 2010 Honda Fit Being Flat Towed with Motorhome  

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Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Class I Trailer Hitch Receiver, # C11064, that you mentioned is a great choice. This hitch was custom designed for the 2010 Honda Fit.

When it comes to carrying four bikes with your Fit, you could carry two bikes on a hitch mounted carrier and two on the roof of the Fit. Due to the low tongue weight capacity of a Class I hitch, both the bike rack and the hitch manufacturers both agree that no more than two bikes should be carried on a Class I hitch. Adding additional bikes would place too much weight too far away from the receiver opening and would exert enough leverage on the hitch that it could be damaged or the attachment points between the vehicle and the hitch could fail. This could result in the loss of the rack and the bikes during transport and create a very dangerous situation.

You could go with the Thule Camber Hitch Mounted Bike Rack, # TH9056, that you mentioned but could only use this for two of your bikes. For a two bike hitch mounted rack, I prefer the Let's Go Aero VeeMe V2 2 Bike Rack, # VME-V2. I like this bike rack because it is economical, light weight, and very easy to use. In order to carry the two remaining bikes on the roof you will need a roof rack and two bike carriers. For this I recommend going with the Rhino-Rack ROC 25 Roof Rack with Vortex Aero Crossbars # RR83RR, and two of the Hybrid Roof Bike Racks # RRRBC050. The roof rack is aerodynamic and easy to install, and the bike carrier secures your bikes by the wheels so there is no need to remove them for travel. Both are great products.

If you plan on carrying women's, children's or alternative framed bikes, I recommend an adapter bar like the Swagman Easy-Out, # 64005. This bar attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem and allows the bike to be carried more evenly in the carrier while providing more ground clearance.

Another option, is to go with the EcoHitch # 306-X7286. This is not a class one, so you could carry your bikes if they are light enough. The combined weight of your chosen bike rack and your bikes must stay below the tongue weight capacity of the hitch or the vehicle whichever is lower. You should also place the heaviest bikes closest to the vehicle and the lighter bikes farther out. I do not recommend four heavier bikes even if the total weight is within the lowest tongue weight capacity.

I've linked you to a few videos that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Leah S

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