Keeping Kuat Sherpa Bike Rack Safe From Exhaust Heat on 2009 Honda Fit

Question:

I have a 2009 Honda Fit with a DrawTite hitch I purchased from etrailer. Really like the hitch and install went well. I put a Kuat Sherpa 2.0 on the hitch and the bike fit fine. With no bike and the carrier folded up, the exhaust melted the plastic cover on the arm that holds the wheel. Do you know if anyone as come up with a way to protect the rack from the exhaust heat? Thanks

asked by: Jim

Helpful Expert Reply:

Sorry to hear about your bike rack, though I believe I have a solution which can prevent your Kuat Sherpa 2.0 # SH12B from further damage.

What you can do is use a hitch adapter, the Brophy # HT5R, to 7" of length and 5-1/2" of rise to your current hitch. The only issue with using an adapter is that it cuts your tongue weight capacity in half. So when using this adapter, the 200 lbs tongue weight capacity of your Draw-Tite # 24826 becomes only 100 lbs. The Sherpa weighs less than 35 lbs, so you will be fine hauling just one bike, but would not be able to carry a pair of heavier bikes.

The Brophy # HT5R is a 1-1/4" to 2" adapter, so while it will fit your Draw-Tite hitch, the Brophy's 2" receiver means you would need to use the Kuat Bike Rack Shank Adapter - 1-1/4" to 2" # D101. This will allow you to use the Kuat Sherpa with the Brophy adapter.

Apart from that, your best option would be to use a hanging bike rack. If you are thinking about going that route, I highly recommend taking a look at the Kuat Beta # B202-114 which weighs less than 13 lbs and has dual-strap cradles along with an anti-rattle hand knob.

When using a hanging rack it's possible you'll need a bike frame adapter bar, # 64005, if your bike is dual-suspension, has a step-through frame or you want to carry a small children's bike. The bar will give those bikes a horizontal mounting point so they can be carried by the rack. I've added a link to a video review of the adapter so you can see exactly how it works.

I've also added links to the adapter and bike rack for you to take a look at.