Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendation for 2011 Chevy HHR

Question:

i will be purchasing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4inch Item # C11447 for my 2011 chevy hhr. i like the way it tucks under the rear bumper from your installation video. which causes me some clearance concerns the bumper when considering a 2-bike rack to fit into the hitch. i am looking for a rack like the Rola TX-102 2-Bike Rack Item # 59400 because the attachment arm comes straight out from the hitch would like to keep the rack height as low as possible - nearer the top of the low hhr roof and does not curve upward like some others. did some rough measuring at the rear bumper estimating where the installed hitch will sit with the measurements supplied here and in the video...... could you confirm if either of these two racks would fit this application and/or recommend other racks for not too much $ that could work? thanks for your time and expertise,

asked by: Bruce K

Expert Reply:

For your 2011 Chevy HHR the hitch I would recommend for you since you plan to carry a bike rack is actually the Draw Tite part # 24756 because unlike the Curt it does not require a stabilizer strap when carryin a non-supported load like a bike rack. If you check out the picture I attached though you'll see that this hitch also tucks under the rear bumper pretty nicely as well.

In that price range you really can't beat the Thule Camber 2 # TH9058 which would fit and work well. This would be a great solution for you.

If you plan on carrying any women's or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.

expert reply by: Jameson C