Recommended Hitch Mounted Bike Rack With Rear Bumper Clearance on a 2017 Chevy Cruze LT

Question:

With the Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 24943, you have 5 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the farthest part of the bumper. The Thule DoubleTrack Pro XT Bike Platform Rack # TH92BJ doesn't offer enough clearance for that. For a rack better suited for your vehicle, I recommend the Swagman Semi 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting # S64686. This rack has a measurement of 8 inches from the center of the hitch pin when folded up and 15-1/4 inches when folded down. This rack will hold your bikes by the wheels and includes the cable locks to secure your bikes and deter theft.

asked by: Jim L

Helpful Expert Reply:

With the Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 24943, you have 5 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the farthest part of the bumper. The Thule DoubleTrack Pro XT Bike Platform Rack # TH92BJ doesn't offer enough clearance for that.

For a rack better suited for your vehicle, I recommend the Swagman Semi 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting # S64686. This rack has a measurement of 8 inches from the center of the hitch pin when folded up and 15-1/4 inches when folded down. This rack will hold your bikes by the wheels and includes the cable locks to secure your bikes and deter theft.

expert reply by: Jason S

Jim L.

9/15/2017

Jason S.

9/15/2017

Yes, you can use the Brophy Hitch Extender For 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver 6" # HES6 with the # TH92BJ. This will reduce your hitch's tongue weight capacity by 50% however, so you will need to be within those limitations. Your hitch receiver is rated for 200 lbs tongue weight, so that will be dropped to 100 lbs, then the carrier weighs 35 lbs and the extender weighs 4 lbs. That will leave 61 lbs for your 2 bikes. If those restrictions work for your bikes, then this is a good option. I recommend adding the Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 1-1/4" Hitches - 2-3/8" Span # 63147 to lock that extension and keep it from rattle. If your bikes weigh more than this, then for a frame mounted bike rack I recommend the Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting # S64683. This will have a straight shank and will be 6 inches from the hitch pin when folded for storage, so this will be a great option as well.