Will Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75270 Scrape the Ground When Installed on a 2005 Honda Odyssey

Question:

We are trying to purchase a trailer hitch and bike rack for a 2005 Honda Odyssey. We recently purchased a trailer hitch but upon installation and test drive found out that the hitch was so low that it scraped the bottom of driveways and dips in the road. According to your QandAs, the Draw-Tite part 75270 works well for 2005 Odysseys. Will a platform style bike rack work or will we find the rack scraping the bottom? Do you recommend a bike rack where the bikes are hanging instead?

asked by: Stefanie E

Expert Reply:

With the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 75270, the distance from the ground to the top of the receiver tube is approximately 11-1/4 inches. That would mean you would have about 9 inches from the ground to the bottom of the hitch (these measurements vary from vehicle to vehicle). That is a decent amount of clearance but on a steep enough incline or bad enough dip, some contact could occur. I have included a link to the installation instructions and a video installation.

A platform rack with a rise, like the Swagman XC, # S64650, will keep the rack from scraping the ground. I have included a link to the installation details and a video review below. If you need to carry more than 2 bikes, you will need to use a hanging rack with a rise, like the Swagman Trailhead, # S63365. I have included a link to the installation details.

expert reply by: Michael H