Will the Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Rack Fit on a 2003 Acura RSX with a Class I Trailer Hitch
Question:
Hi Im looking to buy this bike rack for my Acura RSX 2003. I already have the hitch. Will this bike rack be a good fit for my car and for my class 1 hitch that is already on my car. or its better for me to go with the the 2 bikes rack instead of 3 like this one. Thanks
asked by: Pat
Expert Reply:
You can use the Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Rack, # S63365, with a Class I hitch on your 2003 Acura RSX, just keep in mind that you will be limited to carrying two bikes due to the capacity of the hitch.
It is not recommended to carry more than 2 bikes at a time on a Class I hitch because of the additional leverage that is applied on the hitch by 3 or more bikes mounted further away from the hitch. It is similar to adding a pipe on the end of a wrench to gain additional torque to loosen a rusty bolt.
Since you will be limited to two bikes, I would recommend going with the Trailhead 2 Bike Rack, # S63360, and save yourself some money. I have attached installation instructions and a review video of this bike rack for you to check out.
If you plan on carrying any womens or childrens bikes, then I would recommend picking up the Swagman Easy-Out Bike Adapter Bar, # 64005. Some small or angled bike frames can be difficult to mount on bike racks and this bar will allow you to mount the bikes safely and level. I have attached a video of this adapter bar for you to view.
If you wanted to carry a third bike on your vehicle, then I would recommend getting a roof mounted bike rack like the Swagman Roof Bike Rack, # S64720. This bike rack does require a roof rack with crossbars, so if you do not have a roof rack, then you will also want to pick up the Roof Rack which includes the following parts:
Crossbars # INB117
Feet # INSUT
Short roof adapter # INJK
Custom fit kit # INK258
I have attached a video of this roof rack for you.
Finally, another option is to carry three bike on a trunk mounted rack like the Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount # TH911XT. Three bikes on a trunk rack is a lot. I would recommend the 2 on the hitch and one on the roof option as my first choice.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Inno Square Crossbars - Steel - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Square Bars
- 46 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Inno
more information >
Short Roof Adapter Kit for Inno Square Crossbars
- Accessories and Parts
- Roof Rack
- Adapters
- Crossbars
- Inno
more information >
Custom Fit Kit for Inno XS200, XS250, and INSU-K5 Roof Rack Feet
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 4 Pack
- Inno
more information >
Inno Feet for Square Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Black - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Inno
more information >
Swagman Titan Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Swagman Upright Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Roof Rack Crossbars - Frame Mount
- Roof Bike Racks
- Frame Mount
- 15mm Fork
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- 20mm Thru-Axle
- 5mm Fork
- 9mm Fork
- 9mm Thru-Axle
- Bike Lock
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Standard
- Black
- Swagman
more information >
Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 3 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 3 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Catalytic Converters
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2011 Volvo C30 - Curt
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
- Q&A: Availability of Trailer Hitch Receiver for 2022 Ford Escape PHEV
- Q&A: Does the etrailer Hitch e89YR Fit the 2024 Ford Escape Hybrid?
- Q&A: Is The Thule Epos 3 TH49XE Rated For Fifth Wheel Or RV Use?
- Article: Carrying Bikes While Towing a 5th Wheel Camper Trailer
- Q&A: Comparing Curt and Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2022 Hyundai Tucson
- Q&A: Can You Carry More Than 2 Bikes Using a Class I Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: How Many Bikes Can Be Transported with a Class I Hitch
- Q&A: 2022 Nissan Rogue Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendations
- Article: Trailer Hitch Installation Tips
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Women's Bikes
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit