Hitch Installation on 2013 Chevrolet Cruze and Use of Hitch-Mount Bike Rack

Question:

I would like to know if Reese makes a hitch for the Chevy Cruze RS? i was told thats what was installed onto my car.however when i look at the pdf installation instructions for this hitch at the bottom is the name Curt. im asking because my bumper had to be modified,pushed up and held into place with a piece of metal, without my knowledge so that the hitch opening would not be blocked by the bumper. i didnt see this problem in the video on the etrailer site. the video showed a perfect fit. no alterations. do you have any info about the Curt or the Reese hitch for the Chevy Cruze RS? before i use the hitch i need to know if i risk damage to my car if a bike rack is attached. thank you for you swift reply.

asked by: Monica

Expert Reply:

Three hitches are offered for your 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, including the Curt # C11282 that you referenced. All are light-duty 1-1/4-inch Class I types that can carry up to 2 bikes (no matter what the bike rack's capacity is). All will install in an essentially identical manner since they all will use the same mounting points on your Cruze's frame. The link provided will show you all three. Two of these, the Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch models, are both made by the same company, Cequent Performance Products, which is also the parent company of Reese.

None of these will require drilling for installation but all of them will require temporary lowering of the exhaust (to gain access to the mounting points) and some degree of trimming of the heat shield. Many hitch installations will require that the rear fascia (the plastic trim cover on the rear bumper) be trimmed to make a spot for the receiver tube. I cannot be sure but it sounds as if perhaps your installer pushed the cover out of the way rather than trim it. The video for Curt hitch # C11282 shows installation on a Cruze LT, a version without a heat shield in place, different than your Cruze RS. This may explain some of the variances in the installation.

Curt requires that their light-duty hitches be supported with a stabilizing strap # 18050 when used with non-trailer loads like bike racks (in other words, anything without wheels on it). This is necessary to retain your Curt hitch warranty; the Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch models do not have this requirement. As long as you do not exceed the 2-bike and overall tongue weight limits of the hitch on your Cruze you do not have to worry about vehicle damage from use of a hitch-mount bike rack. If you elect to use the strap just for extra safety margin, that is a fine idea as well.

expert reply by: Adam R