How to Carry 4 Bikes on a 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1

Question:

Hello is there a class two hitch available for this car. I need to carry 4 bikes and read a class 1 hitch can only carry 2 bikes.

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

All of the trailer hitches for the 2012 Chevy Camaro are Class I trailer hitches. What you have read is true. Both bike rack and hitch manufacturers agree that a Class I hitch should only hold 2 bikes on a Class I compatible rack. The issue is that more than 2 bikes would put the weight too far from the receiver creating to much torque and stress on the hitch and vehicle. Like using a cheater bar to loosen a lug nut.

So, how do you carry 4 bikes on a 2012 Camaro ZL1? Provided it isn't a convertible, you could start by using a trunk mount bike rack such as the Hollywood Racks expedition, # HRF6-2 which will allow you to carry 2 bikes or a class I hitch and a two bike rack With the trunk mount you will not have to worry about a permanent installation like a trailer hitch.

Ok, so that takes care of 2 bikes but what about the last 2 bikes? That is where it gets tricky. The other remaining option is a roof rack. The good thing is that a roof rack is also not a permanent installation so you can remove it to keep your Mustang-Killer looking sharp.

For a roof rack you will need the Seasucker Roof Rack # 298-SX6000B. These are vacuum mounted (really strong suction cups) and can be removed when not in use. Then you can carry that last 2 bikes with carriers like, # S64720.

The other option is to skip the roof rack and use 2 of the SeaSucker Komodo Bike racks # 298-BK1910-AB that vacuum mount (very strong suction cup) to the roof of your car. This one is blue, they also come in black, gold, and silver. This is a good option, but it is not cheap.

In summary, four bikes on your Camaro is possible but not favorable. Sorry I did not have better news for you.