Bike Rack Recommendation to Fit Draw Tite Hitch for 2012 Mazda 3 Hatchback

Question:

I have a 2012 Mazda 3 hatchback and looking to install a trailer hitch that will be compatible with the Yakima DoubleDown 4 bike rack. I am interested in the Draw-Tite #24843 hitch but want to make sure that the Yakima bike will fit with the tab/backstop in this hitch. Yakima says for a 1.25inch with backstop hitch, due to variations in Class I hitch receivers, some Class I receivers may not be able to accept this product Yakima DoubleDown. The DoubleDown rack requires a minimum 2inch from mounting hole to backstop. What is the mounting hole to backstop tab distance on the Draw-Tite #24843 hitch? Will the hitch and bike rack be compatible?

asked by: Thomas A

Expert Reply:

The Yakima DoubleDown that you referenced is a Class II hitch and up bike rack. The Draw Tite hitch part # 24843 that you referenced is a Class I hitch that has the weld stop in the tube which will prevent this rack from installing. The Draw Tite hitch is the hitch to go with too as unlike the Curt it does not require a stabilizer strap when carrying a non-supported load like a bike rack.

All Class I hitches like this are limited to carrying only up to 2 bikes at a time. The most popular bike rack we carry that has been confirmed to fit your vehicle is the Thule Camber 2 # TH9058 which is a fit for the Class I hitches. We asked our demo and install guys to name their favorite, most easy-to-use bike racks and this one showed up in nearly everyone's top three. Check out the review video I attached for more info.

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