Best Way to Carry Bikes with a 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT

Question:

I just purchased a 2014 Impala LT, and Id like to install a hitch receiver that will accomodate my hitch-mounted bike rack it mounts into a 2inch receiver. It looks like I will have to install a 1.25inch hitch receiver and use a 1.25inch to 2inch adapter to accomodate my bike rack. Is that accurate? How far out from the bumper will this stick out? Other suggestions welcome. What is the approximate final hitch height of this once installed on the Impala?

asked by: Aaron

Expert Reply:

Yes, you are correct your 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT will need a Class II 1-1/4 trailer hitch such as the Draw-Tite Class II Hitch Receiver # 36538. I recommend the Draw-Tite over the Curt, because Curt requires the Curt Trailer Hitch Support Strap # 18050 to be used with any non-trailer loads. This is within the guidelines of their warranty. I included an installation video on a 2015 Impala which will be similar to yours.

In order to carry your 2 inch bike rack with this hitch you will need an adapter such as the Tow Ready Hitch Adaper # 80303 which is 6 inches long. In order to use the adapter you will also need a pin and clip for both ends of it. For the 1-1/4 inch side # PC2 and for the 2 inch side # PC3.

Another thing you will need to keep in mind when using an adapter is that it will reduce the maximum tongue weight of your trailer hitch by 50 percent. With the Draw-Tite I recommended it would have a tongue weight of 150 lbs. Which isn't very much when you factor in multiple bikes plus the weight of the rack itself.

A better option may be to use a trunk mounted bike rack like the Thule OutWay 3-Bike Rack # TH56BV. I've attached a review video for you to see. This rack has two layers of cushioning to reduce vibration and road shock, This carrier uses only 2 retractable cables instead of the 4-6 of other racks. It also has a locking cable to secure the bikes to the rack and a locking hub to secure the straps and lock the rack onto your car.

Whichever you decide you should also look at the Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01. This is an adapter to help keep women's, children's, and any alternative style frame bikes level while they're on a hanging bike rack. I've attached a video explaining the adapter bar for you.