Bumper and Ground Clearance on Hitches for 2008 Buick LaCrosse

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Question:

It appears that you offer two hitches for a 2008 Buick LaCrosse, Curt 12239 and Draw-Tite 36374. I want to use a hitch primarily for a bicycle rack that fits into a 1 1/4inch opening. Im concerned that the hitch opening might lie so far forward of the rear-most part of the rear fender that the bike rack might not slide into place. The specifications for both hitches are missing these two most important details: 1 Where in relation to the rearmost part of the fender does the hitch opening of these two hitches lie? 2 Do these hitches reduce the vehicles ground clearance? If so, how close to the ground does the new lowest point lie for each hitch? Thanks in advance.

asked by: Richard

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Expert Reply:

When installing a bike rack, bumper clearance is important. Two important measurements are hitch pin hole on receiver to end of bumper and hitch pin hole on the bike rack to the closest point of the rack. For bumper clearance, when we installed this on a 2009 Buick LaCrosse, the distance from the hitch pin hole to the end of the bumper was 6" with the Draw-Tite # 36374. I attached a picture for your reference.

As for ground clearance, the measurement from the top of the receiver to the ground was 12" on the Draw-Tite # 36374. We weren't able to test fit the Curt # C12239 on a similar vehicle to yours, but both hitches have such similar specs and design that it should have the same clearance.

An example of a compatible bike rack with this hitch is the Kuat Sherpa # SH22B. The measurement from its hitch pin to the closest point of the rack when folded up is 7-1/2". When folded down and loaded with bikes, its 11 inches. If you already have a bike rack, I recommend checking its measurements to see if it works.

expert reply by: Evangeline M

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Answer 1

One of the great things about the Curt platform bike rack part #C18085 is that it can easily attach to women's bikes like yours and not need an adapter bar. I attached a picture that shows this rack holding a cruiser style bike with a very low…

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Answer 2

I strongly recommend not using an adapter but instead using a bike rack compatible with your hitch. It is recommended to only carry 2 bikes on a Class I hitch. I would suggest a rack like the Curt #C18085. It weighs 46 pounds, holds two bikes, and…

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Answer 3

The best bike rack for you is going to be the Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack #C18085. This similarities to the Saris Freedom EX 2 Bike Rack that you mentioned. The Curt #C18085 fits 1-1/4" and 2" receiver and has a weight capacity of 45lbs per…

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Answer 4

When considering whether you have enough shank length on a bike rack to clear your rear bumper, the only way to know for sure is by measuring the center of the hitch pinhole to the outside surface of your rear bumper. We unfortunately do not have…

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Answer 5

Because one of the hooks is longer, it is indeed possible to safely secure two bikes with the same frame height. The answer to your question will depend on the exact geometry of the step-through frames. The wheelbase of the rack is adjustable so that…

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Answer 6

The length of wire desired depends on your vehicle connection and your personal preference. You want enough slack for turning, but not so much for dragging as you mentioned. A little extra slack isn't a problem and not enough could lead to stress…

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Answer 7

I apologize for the confusion. I checked with Curt and since the Curt Hitch part #C13200 that you referenced is rated for use with a weight distribution system it does not require the use of a stabilizer strap like part #18050. Curt recommends the…

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Answer 8

The threads for the anti rattle hitch pin are in the shank of the bike rack and the threaded hitch pin extends through the receiver to engage the threads in the 1-1/4 inch shank. The 2 inch adapter is positioned so that the hitch pin threads into the…

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Answer 9

You do not need to use the Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap #18050 with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C11473 that fits your 2017 Toyota Prius. Curt did previously require the use of the strap with accessories like bike racks to maintain the…

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Answer 10

The hitch you have installed on your 2005 Buick Lacrosse is a 1-1/4-inch Class II type like those shown on the linked page. The highest capacity option is the Curt #C12239 which offers a 350-lb tongue weight (TW) capacity; the others are rated for…

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Answer 11

I looked at the instructions and all the bolts are the same for Curt hitch part #11325. If you had mismatched bolts, the others would not have gone in right either. I spoke with one of our installers who has put one of these on a 2006 Hyundai Sonata.…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Bumper and Ground Clearance on Hitches for 2008 Buick LaCrosse

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