Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver And Platform Bike Rack For 2014 Kia Sportage

Question:

Looking at buying a CURT 13120 tow hitch for my 2014 Kia Sportage, will it fit my 2inch Thule T2 Pro XT and have enough clearance from the bumper to stow away Thanks

asked by: Alistair

Expert Reply:

For your 2014 Kia Sportage, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2", # C13120. This hitch will give you a measurement of 5-1/4 inches from the hitch pin hole to the outside of the bumper.

The Thule T2 Pro XTR, # TH83JV is an excellent bike rack. It has a versatile design that allows most bikes to fit regardless of size, weight, frame design, suspension, or brake style. It also will fit wide tire bikes up to 5 inches. The front and rear cradles make it easy to load bikes and tilting design will allow access to your cargo while installed with or without bikes loaded. The center of the hitch pin to the closest part of the rack is 7 inches, however when folded is 5 inches, so an extention would be needed.

For this extention, I recommend the Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long # C45791. This will decrease the tongue rating on your hitch by 50% but will give you the clearance you need. The hitch is rated for 525 lbs, so when you subtract the 50% and the weight of the bike carrier and the extender, you still have a 200.5 lb rating. That is more than enough for the 60 lb per bike capacity of the bike rack. This combination will allow you to have a great hitch and an excellent bike rack for your 2014 Kia Sportage.

expert reply by: Jason S