Recommended Trunk and Hitch Bike Carrying Bike Options for 2011 Honda Fit  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Having the bikes close to the vehicle and thus the exhaust is an unavoidable function of using a trunk mounted rack on the rear of a small vehicle like the Honda Fit. The short and flat liftgate does not allow the rack to be installed so that the bikes are far away from the vehicle.

All of the available trunk mounted racks would hold the bikes in pretty much the same position in regard to the rear of the vehicle.

Of all the trunk mounted racks available for your Fit, the Thule OutWay bike # TH45JV or 3 bike, # TH56BV are without a doubt the easiest and quickest to install and remove. Instead of the 6 cumbersome straps and buckle arrangement used by most racks, the OutWay uses only 2 rubber coated straps that allow the rack to be installed or removed in seconds.

To get the bikes further away from the vehicle, your best bet would be to install a Class II receiver hitch like part # 306-X7286. The Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360 is an excellent 2 bike rack that is economically priced, and includes essential features like an anti-rattle hitch pin and anti-sway cradles that securely hold the bikes during transport.

To carry women's bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames, using a frame adapter like part # TH982XT or # 64005 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 has greater ground clearance and is not carried at an angle. Having the bikes carried so that they are level will help keep them as far away as possible from the exhaust.

For install details and product demonstration videos, click the provided links.

expert reply by: Mike L

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