Bike Rack Clearance Provided by Curt Class I Receiver # C11282 Installed on 2013 Chevy Cruze

Question:

I can see from the photos that the hitch is not flush with the edge of the bumper. This seems to be the case with most sedans in my experience. I need to know the distance from the hitch opening to the bumper edge to determine if my bike rack will have sufficient clearance.

asked by: Jayson

Expert Reply:

When we installed the Curt # C11282 and the Draw-Tite # 24882 Class I hitches on a 2013 Chevy Cruze, we found that the Curt hitch had a 6-1/4 inch measurement from the hitch pin hole to the furthest rearward point of the back bumper. The Draw-Tite was recessed so that the dimension was 3-3/4 inches.

To determine if your rack will be compatible, simply measure from the hitch pin hole to the closest obstruction on the rack, be it the upright, the foot of the rack or in the case of a platform style rack, the closest wheel hoop. In order to fit, this measurement from your bike rack needs to be GREATER than the distance the hitch is recessed.

There are two good reasons why I'd recommend the Draw-Tite hitch over the Curt model. The Draw-Tite isn't recessed so far under the bumper so there's a better chance your bike rack will work with it. Also, the warranty of the Curt hitch states that a stabilizing strap like part # 18050 must be used for any non trailer load like a bike rack. The Draw-Tite hitch has no such limitation.

expert reply by: Mike L