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Compatibility of Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack with 2013 Lexus CT 200h  

Question:

My vehicle and bikes Lexus Ct200h. Hybrid vehicle Curt class1 hitch 1.25 inch Bikes : Dahon Boardwalk folding bike Dahon Speed folding bike Plan to carry the bikes in UNfolded configuration Highway speeds up to 75-80 mph ... 400 miles Would like a lightweight platform rack With good clearance from the car and from the ground

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Expert Reply:

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a bike rack is the bumper clearance. Because there is not a set standard of how far back the receiver is recessed under the vehicle, the distance between the hitch pin hole in the receiver and the furthest rearward point of the vehicle bumper needs to be known so a rack with a long enough shank can be chosen. If you choose a rack whose shank is too short, the upright portion or wheel tray of the rack will contact the bumper before the shank can be slid in far enough for the hitch pin holes to line up.

Unfortunately, we have not yet completed an install on a Lexus CT 200h, so I cannot provide this bumper clearance dimension. This leaves you with two options. You can obtain and install the Curt Class I # C11200 hitch first, and then get your clearance measurement, the FAQ article I will link you to shows how to do this. Your other option would be to take some measurement from under the vehicle as shown in the photo I edited for you. Step 1, crawl under the rear of the vehicle and locate the two hitch attachment holes that are closest to the rear bumper. Step 2, from that point, measure 7-1/2 inches toward the rear of the vehicle. This point is the approximate location of the hitch pin hole. Step 3, from that point, measure rearward until you reach the back edge of the center of the bumper. You will need to choose a bike rack whose hitch pin hole to closest portion of the rack measurement is greater than your clearance measurement. I have edited a photo that will hopefully make this a bit clearer for you. The photo shows a different hitch installed on a different vehicle, but it provide a good view of the underside of a vehicle and shows where measurements need to be taken.

If the hitch pin hole to rear bumper dimension you get is 7-1/2 inches or less, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 # SH12B you mentioned would work wonderfully. The Sherpa 2.0 can carry bikes with 25-29 inch wheels, or 20-24 inch wheels with the optional # 016-025-00-00 adapter which are sold individually. The Sherpa is a great rack, and if you have proper clearance, it would be my recommendation. The Sherpa 2.0 weighs in right at 30 lbs, so for a rack of its type, it's pretty light.

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Mike L
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