Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendation for 2012 Kia Optima with Trek Bikes

Question:

We have a 2012 Kia Optima, my wife rides a trek neko and I ride a trek 8.3 ds would like the ability to use her car to haul our bikes to the trail heads and was thinking this carrier would do the trick, of course I need a hitch also as her car does not currently have one, so I look to you guys for expert advice on what I need. Thank you for your time,

asked by: Tim R

Expert Reply:

I will be happy to help you find a trailer hitch and bike rack that will work on your 2012 Kia Optima to transport your bikes. Lets begin with the trailer hitch. The one I recommend for your Optima is the Draw-Tite Class I Sport Frame Receiver Hitch # 24965. I like this hitch because the warranty for this rack does not require the use of a support strap for non-trailer loads, like the Curt hitch's warranty requires. I have attached the installation instructions and an installation video of this hitch for you.

I recommend the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider 2 Bike Rack # HR200Z. I really like this bike rack because of the ratcheting hook arms, the weight capacity, and the added ground clearance. The ratcheting hooks arms secure your bikes better than hooks that tighten with a hand knob. We have found the ratchets to stay tighter than the knobs. The Trailer Rider offers a weight capacity of 45 pounds per bike. With a shank rise of 5 inches, this rack will help maintain ground clearance while transporting your bikes. Best of all, this rack is designed to work in a Class I hitch like those available for your Optima. I have attached a review video of this rack on a similar Optima for you.

If your wife's Neko has a deep frame bar or step through frame, I recommend using a bike adapter bar, like # UB01, to provide a secure attachment point for the frame hook. I have attached a review video of this adapter bar for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B