Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendation for 2013 Chevrolet Sonic

Question

Question:

I have a Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch W/drawbar - Class I - 1-1/4 for my 2013 Chevy Sonic. I use it for a bike rack. The receiver opening is not deep enough for the rack attachment bolt to match the hole in the hitch, so I had to cut 1 1/2inch off the rack. I was recently rear ended so I need a new rack and hitch. I want to buy a hitch that is deep enough so I dont have to cut the rack. Thank you

asked by: Billy C

0

Expert Reply:

All of the trailer hitches available for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic are Class I trailer hitches. Most Class I trailer hitch receivers have a tab inside of the receiver to allow only certain accessories to be used with the receiver. This tab is intended to keep accessories from being used that can overload the Class I hitch. I have attached a help article on trailer hitch receiver sizes for you.

Curt Class I trailer hitches do not have this tab, however they will require the bike rack, and other non-trailer loads, to be supported by a strap like part # 18050. If you have a sedan, you can use Curt # C11240 hitch. For Sonic hatchback models(non-RS), you will want # C11258. For hatchback-RS models, you will need to use a Draw-Tite Hitch # 24878.

When choosing a new bike rack, you will want a rack that is compatible with a Class I trailer hitch. This will ensure that the bike rack will fit into your hitch receiver even if it has the tab. Bike racks that are compatible with Class I hitches will also work great in Class II trailer hitches. Additionally, Class I hitches are limited to carrying no more than 2 bikes on a hitch mount bike rack, even if the rack is capable of holding more than 2 bikes.

I recommend the Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack # S64670. This platform style bike rack will carry 2 bikes and has a weight capacity of 70 pounds. To help maintain ground clearance, this bike rack has a shank with a 3 inch rise. The rack secures your bikes at the wheels and the upper frame bar. Many different bikes can be carried on the rack as the wheel hoops are adjustable and will accommodate wheels up to 2-1/2 inches wide. I have attached a review video showing this bike rack on a 2013 Sonic.

If you would like to lock to bike rack to the hitch, you can use the Swagman Locking Anti-Rattle Threaded Hitch Pin # S64029. For a locking pin that comes with a cable to secure the bikes to the rack, you can use part # S64031.

expert reply by: Victoria B

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

Howdy to you, too! Installing a trailer hitch on your 2013 Chevy Sonic Hatchback does not require a lift. But there isn't much space between the ground and the vehicle so you would benefit from using a jack and jack stands. It will make the…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 5

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

view full answer...

Answer 7

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

view full answer...

Answer 8

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 10

To replace your NOK AD2527E seal you can use #168233. It has an inner diameter of 1.688 inches and an outer diameter of 2.332 inches. Based on what I could find on the NOK AD2527E the inner diameter is the same and the outer diameter is 2.328 inches.…

view full answer...

Answer 11

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

view full answer...