Should Trailer Hitch for Bike Rack be Installed on a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited

Question:

I have been told by my dealer that a trailer hitch cannot should not be installed on the hybrid because of the risk of a rear end collision pushing the hitch into the battery enclosure and possibly causing the battery to be damaged or even exploding. The hitch would be used primarily for a bike carrier, not for towing. What do you think?

asked by: Dan H

Expert Reply:

While I can't really override what your dealer said in regards to installing a trailer hitch on your 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, I can say that you are protected by the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. The Act states that if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever modifications you have added to your vehicle actually caused the problem in question.

I do recommend installing the Curt 2" Trailer Hitch # C13383 over the 1-1/4" # C12180 that you referenced because the 2" receiver gives you many more options for bike racks.

If you don't already have a bike rack then I highly recommend using one with a swinging arm so that you have unrestricted access to your rear hatch area without having to unload any bikes and/or remove the bike rack.

For a 2-bike rack option I really like the RockyMounts BackStage # RKY10002 because it secures bikes by their wheels so it will hold just about any frame style that doesn't have a front fender. I have attached a review video of this on an '18 Pacifica that you can reference.

If you need a bike for going out with the family then the Yakima FullSwing # Y02465 is the better option for you. This carries bike via 2 arms so the adapter bar # Y02531 may be needed for bikes that don't have a horizontal top tube, but it does allow you to carry up to 4 bikes that weigh 40 lbs each. Attached is a generic review video for this bike rack that you can check out.

Let me know if you'd rather avoid installing a trailer hitch and I can offer some other ways that you can transport bikes with your Pacifica.