Recommended Hitch and Bike Rack for 2017 Nissan Rogue

Question

Question:

Hello, I need to purchase and install a trailer hitch and a bike rack for my 2017 Rogue. I have been looking at your QandAs regarding the recommended options. I am confused about the weight restrictions and would like some clarification. One post talks about the tongue weight limit of 110 lbs which is the limit in the manual and indicates the actual weight of the hitch needs to be included in the 110lb limit. That is confusing me. I didn't think the actual weight of the hitch would be counted. The post goes on to recommend a lightweight rack. Another post makes no mention of the weight limit, and in fact talks about racks that can hold 3 bikes. I would assume that this would be well over the tongue weight limit, especially if the weight of the hitch were to be included. Can you clarify whether the weight of the hitch needs to be included in the tongue weight calculation, and what is the real recommendation for the optimal hitch/rack option? I will probably never be carrying more than 2 bikes - one a mens bike and one a women's bike. Thanks!

asked by: Steve F

0

Expert Reply:

I can see where the confusion may set and I will be happy to clear it up for you. The weight of the hitch itself does NOT count as part of the tongue weight limit; what will matter is the weight of the rack and the bikes.

I took a look at the owner's manual for your 2017 Nissan Rogue and it does specify that the maximum tongue weight for your vehicle is 110 lbs, so that is the weight your bike rack and bikes cannot exceed. A bike rack that can hold three bikes would not necessarily go over the 110 lb limit it just depends on the bikes.

With that in mind let's start with the optimal hitch for your Rogue, which is the Draw-Tite # 75902. The reason for this is that the Draw-Tite is a 2" hitch, which widens your available options for a bike rack, and will not require the use of stabilizing straps when using a bike rack like the option from Curt does.

For a 2-bike rack I highly recommend the Kuat Sherpa 2.0, which comes in your choice of colors: Black # SH22B, Gray # SH22G, or Pearl # SH22P. This is a hitch-mounted rack that weighs just 32 lbs and uses ratcheting hooks that grip your bikes by the front wheels so there is no contact with your bike's frame; it secures your bike's rear wheels via ratcheting straps. It installs in your hitch without any type of tools by simply turning a knob to tighten the rack in the hitch.

The Sherpa tilts down (even if your bikes are loaded) with the simple press of a foot lever, which allows you to access your rear cargo. It also folds up for storage when you are not using it. This rack has integrated security features as well so you can protect your investment, coming with both a hitch lock to secure your rack to the hitch and a cable lock which secures your bikes to the rack. I have added links to a pair of video reviews of this rack for you to take a look at.

If you are looking for a more economical option I recommend the Swagman Chinook # S64683. This 2-bike rack weighs 47 lbs and uses ratcheting hooks that grip your bikes by the top tubes to secure them to the rack. It also folts up and tilts with the bikes loaded, though there is no foot lever for that feature like on the Sherpa. The Chinook does come with an anti-rattle hitch lock. You mentioned you will be transporting one men's bike and one women's bike so please keep in mind that Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar # Y02531 is likely going to be needed with this rack in order to give the women's bike a place for the ratcheting hook at attach.

I've added links to reviews of this rack and the adapter bar for you to take a look at as well.