Recommended Curt Class III Receiver and SportRack 3-Bike Rack for 2011 GMC Terrain

Question:

I have 2011 GMC Terrain, I am interested in a hitch assembly and a 3 bike rack. I only plan to use the hitch for the bike rack only no towing. I have one mens bike and two women bikes, do i need anything special for the women bikes to fit on the rack? Please help with some suggestions on everything i will need. I am looking to place an order with Etrailer.com and dont know what would be best for my vehicle.

asked by: Nicole S

Expert Reply:

Although some Class II receivers are offered for your Terrain, I always recommend going with a Class III whenever the choice is available. Although the greater capacity is not that important to you, the 2 inch receiver that the Class III uses is much more common, therefore there is a better selection of hitch mounted accessories like bike racks or cargo carriers available for the 2 inch receiver. The etrailer Class III Receiver, part # e98865 is our most popular hitch for your Terrain and is what I would recommend.

For a bike rack, I would recommend the Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Rack, part # S63365. This is a versatile rack that can be used in a Class II or III receiver, and will tilt rearward with the bikes removed to allow easier access to the rear of your vehicle.

For womens bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames, using a frame adapter like part # SR0500 is recommended. The adapter spans the distance between the seat post and the handle bar gooseneck, and provides a level attachment point to the bike rack so the bike is not carried at an angle.

I have linked you to the install instructions for the hitch I recommended, as well as a product demonstration video featuring the 4-bike version of the rack I recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L