Recommended 2-Inch Hitch For Bike Rack on 2016 Acura RDX

Question:

I have a 2016 Acura RDX and wish to purchase a 2inch trailer hitch. The hitch will be used for a bike rack. The Curt hitches indicate that I will need stabilizing straps. The Draw Tite does not indicate these straps are required. Which would be the better hitch?

asked by: Harley W

Expert Reply:

Since your hitch application is use of a hitch-mount 2-inch bike rack on your 2016 Acura RDX I do recommend a hitch that does not require the stabilizing strap like the Curt # C13130 does. The hitch I recommend is the Draw-Tite # 75784.

Hitch installation is shown in the linked video and detailed in the linked instructions. I also included a helpful article with tips on hitch installation. The tools required are listed in the instructions. Mostly basic hand tools are needed but you'll also need a torque wrench like # ALL944001 to secure the fasteners to the specified values indicated in the instructions. A hitch can deliver its rated performance only when installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. All hardware is included.

When we installed this hitch on a 2015 RDX we found that the hitch pin hole on the receiver tube was 3-inches forward of the rear edge of the back bumper cover. This means that when you select a compatible Class III bike rack you'll want to choose one that provides 4-inches or more of clearance at the back of the car. This will ensure the bike rack does not contact the vehicle. I linked our main page for Class III racks and you can click on your preferred type - hanging or platform - to see carriers of that variety. You can also click on the filters for bike capacity and for included features like locks.

If you have a family's worth of bikes you might want to consider a swing-away carrier like the Yakima FullSwing # Y02465 that is shown in the linked video. This type of rack offers convenient access to the vehicle even when carrying bikes.