Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendations for a 2003 Honda Civic Sedan

Question:

I am thinking about getting a hitch installed on my 2003 Honda Civic LX 4-door sedan so that I can install a bike rack. Is the Yakima Stickup 2 compatible with my car, and if so what type of hitch will I need to buy? I have 2 bikes, which are about 35 lbs each.

asked by: Steve

Helpful Expert Reply:

For a trailer hitch for your 2003 Honda Civic sedan, I recommend The Curt trailer hitch # C11204. This is a Class I trailer hitch which means that you need to have a Class I compatible bike rack. It also means that you can only carry at most 2 bikes. The Yakima StickUp is not Class I compatible but we have many bike racks that are. I have included a link to them for you. The most popular option for a platform style is the Thule Doubletrack Pro XT, # TH92BJ. I have included a link to a video review of this rack for you.

Another option is to use a trunk mount bike rack. There are some trunk mounts, like the Hollywood Racks Expess 2 # HRE3, that can carry 1, 2, or 3 bikes up to 35 pounds each. I have linked video reviews of this rack for you.

If you go with a hanging style rack, and if you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical mens bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # HRBA-PRO. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wifes bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my sons bike at all.

expert reply by: Michael H