Is Stabilizing Strap Required When Using Bike Rack With Curt Hitch On 2010 Mini Cooper S Hardtop

Question:

I have a 2010 Mini Cooper S hardtop. If I purchase C11130 and use a Kuat Sherpa rack will I still need to use Curt Trailer Hitch Support Strap - Bike Rack Strap with Cambuckle ? I would really prefer not to ... If necessary - suggested alternatives to get away with no strap? Thanks,

asked by: Robert R

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver, part # C11130 is designed to fit your 2010 Mini hardtop.

This is a Class l hitch and it has a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. A note from Curt states that any non-trailer loads - bike racks, cargo carriers and so forth - should be supported with stabilizing straps like part # 18050. Failure to properly support these loads will void your hitch warranty from Curt. This is the manufacturer note and is a safety precaution. You can use other supporting straps for supporting non-trailer items with the hitch. This helps relieve the stress on the hitch and on the vehicle frame.

Our other hitch suppliers do not offer a trailer hitch for the Mini.

The Kuat Sherpa, part # SH12G would work great with the Curt hitch. This is a 2-bike platform carrier that is lightweight at 32 lbs and has a tilting feature. This carrier has a hitch lock and cable lock to secure the bikes to the rack and the rack to the vehicle.