Recommended Trailer Hitch And Platform Bike Carrier For 2015 Nissan Altima

Question:

Hi, I wanted to confirm fitment for my rack plan. I have a 2015 Nissan Altima and I was planning on buying a Curt Hitch #C11352 for the car and then purchasing a swagman XTC-2 as a bike carrier. Will this set up fit my car? Will I need a stabilization strap, and if so will it work with the xtc-2? Im a bit concerned about the trunk clearance with the xtc-2 since I want to carry two mountain bikes. Do you think clearance would be an issue? And, if I would go with a different rack such as the Thule Doubletrack, would that also work well with the Curt hitch setup? Thank you.

asked by: Peter E

Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch I recommend for your 2015 Altima is the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver, part # 24796. I recommend this hitch because the Curt Trailer Hitch, part # C11352 requires the use of a safety strap like part # 18050 when it is used with any non-trailer accessories. Many times it can be tough to find a place to attach the safety strap.

I have attached a link to an installation video for the # 24796 you can check out. As shown in the video the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the rear bumper is 6-1/4 inches.

The platform bike carrier I recommend for you is the Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack, part # S64670. The # S64670 has a distance of 8 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the wheel hoop. This carrier can hold bikes with wheels up to 2-1/2 inches wide.