Recommended Trailer Hitch And Platform Bike Carrier For 2014 Nissan Rogue

Question:

I own a 2014 Nissan Rogue - new body style. Im looking to purchase a tow hitch and bike rack. I have picked out the following items. Will these work together and will I have enough clearance for the shank of the bike rack from the center of the tow hitch hole? If this is not the best tow hitch option for the Kuat Sherpa please let me know what would be better. I would like a tow hitch that extends the longest length out towards the bumper. 2014 Nissan Rogue Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2 Kuat Sherpa 2-Bike SH22G Black Thank you

asked by: Cassie S

Expert Reply:

When selecting a bike carrier for your vehicle there is an important measurement you need to know. That is the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole on the trailer hitch receiver to the most rearward part of the vehicle, whether it is the rear bumper or perhaps a rear mounted spare tire.

The Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, part # 75902 sticks out the most of the trailer hitches we offer, and the hitch I recommend for your Rogue. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2 inch receiver opening. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the rear bumper is 5-3/4 inches, so you need a bike carrier with at least 7 inches for clearance.

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Platform Rack, part # SH22G measures 13 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier when it is in the folded down position, and 9 inches when folded up. I would not recommend that carrier for that reason.

I recommend the Kuat NV 2 Bike Platform Rack, part # N105. This is an aluminum bike rack that weighs 49 lbs and has a lot of great features. This carrier holds 2 bikes that weigh up to 60 lbs per bike. It also tilts away from the vehicle when loaded or not to allow access to the rear of the vehicle, and has locks that secure the carrier to the vehicle and a cable lock that secures the bikes to the carrier. The distance from the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack when folded up is 7 inches and when folded down the distance is 10-1/2 inches, so it would work great on your Rogue.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L