Trailer Hitch and Bike rack Recommendations for a 2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback

Question:

Best bike carrier for 2010 Nissan Versa hatchback with spoiler What is the safest/easiest set-up for transporting my mountain bike on my type of car? As a woman, I dont think I want a roof rack where I need to lift the bike overhead everyday and I read that roof racks are noisy. The trunk racks arent great for hatchbacks with spoilers and I have a soft bumper?. Is a hitch option my best bet? I would have the receiver hitch installed at a body shop, so it should run smoothly. But Im concerned about safety if the car is rear-ended with the hitch installed. Are there any models that are safer than others in this regard? Thank you!

asked by: Liz

Expert Reply:

Based on your main concerns I do recommend a trailer hitch to carry bikes on your 2010 Nissan Versa hatchback. I recommend the Curt Class 1 Hitch # C11348 because it does not come with extra parts you won't need and it does not require any additional equipment in order to carry bikes. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

Regarding your concern about being rear-ended; a trailer hitch could actually help by absorbing some of the impact. That isn't what its designed for but it's possible and it wouldn't make any impact worse. Ever since the disastrous Ford Pinto vehicle manufacturers have learned to avoid possible fuel tank issues when vehicles get hit from behind.

For a bike rack I recommend a platform style carrier, # KU74FR, which holds the bikes at the wheels so it is compatible with many bike styles. I have included a link to a video review of this bike rack for you.

I have also included a link to all of the bike racks that are compatible with Class I trailer hitches. Keep in mind that a Class I hitch can only hold up to 2 bikes even if the rack can hold more.

expert reply by: Michael H