How to Carry Four Bikes on 2008 Chevy Cobalt Sedan
Question:
Hi! I need a hitch and a hitch rack for 4 bikes for my sedan Chevrolet Cobalt 2008. What combinations do you suggest? Thank you for your time.
asked by: Mijat
Expert Reply:
If your Cobalt sedan is a Sport Model, I would recommend the Draw-Tite Class I receiver, part # 24756. For a non-Sport model, go with the Curt Class I, part # C11430. However due to the very limited weight capacity of the Class I receiver, both the hitch and bicycle rack manufacturers all agree that any bike rack used on a Class I receiver should not be used to carry any more than two bikes. Carrying additional bikes can place the weight of the bikes too far away from the hitch, causing additional leverage to be applied to the hitch as well as the points where the hitch attaches to the vehicle. This extra leverage can cause the hitch to bend or the attachment points to fail, which would result in the loss of the bikes during transport.
The Kuat Beta you mentioned, part # B202-114 would be an excellent choice for carrying two bikes. The aluminum construction makes the rack very lightweight, at only 13 lbs yet the rack is very rugged. The rack also features an anti-rattle system that prevents the rack from moving around in the receiver.
If you were to go with a trunk mounted rack like the Thule OutWay part # TH56BV, you could carry up to three bikes. The Raceway uses ratcheting cables that are super easy to use, rather than the difficult and clumsy buckles and straps that other racks use. The ratcheting cables allow the rack to be installed or removed from the vehicle in seconds.
To carry women's bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames with a trunk or hitch mounted bike rack, using a frame adapter like the Thule # TH982XT or Kuat # UB01 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.
Any remaining bikes could be carried on the roof of your vehicle with a roof mounted bike rack that would mount to a roof rack. A reasonably-priced roof rack could be constructed using the following parts:
Rhino Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack, part # RRVA118B-2
2500 Series Legs, part # RRRLKVA
Vehicle Specific Clamp Kit, part # DK181
Once the rack is installed, the remaining one or two bikes (depending on whether you went with a trunk or hitch mounted bike rack) could be carried on the roof by using a rack that would connect to the crossbars of the roof rack. The Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack, part # STH599000 would be a good choice that is economically priced and easy to use.
I have linked you to the products I recommended as well as product demonstration or install videos for them if available.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 46 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 3 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 2 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On or Channel Mount - Aluminum
- Roof Bike Racks
- Wheel Mount
- 15mm Fork
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- 20mm Thru-Axle
- 5mm Fork
- 9mm Fork
- 9mm Thru-Axle
- Locks Not Included
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Standard
- Track Mount - Standard
- Thule
more information >
Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 16 - 31-1/2 Inch Long
- Thule
more information >
Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- Kuat
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kuat Beta Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Kuat
more information >
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