TripleB67

After reading your previous responses to my posts, I've decided to look for a better and more solid solution than a $60 trunk rack for my 2013 Kia Optima. Therefore I'm going to look into adding a trailer hitch and a bicycle hitch mount rack to my car.

I still need for it to be affordable but I also want something solid so as not to damage my bikes or my car.

Is there a website that specializes in quality and affordable trailer hitches for cars?

I see trailer hitches are offered in 2 inch and 1.25 inch models...is the 2 inch model the way to go?

I'm looking for a hitch mount rack that holds at least 2 (maybe 3) bikes, that allows you to leave the front wheel on, and that can be easily removed because my car won't fit in my garage with the rack on.

What hitch mount rack and/or trailer hitch would you recommend?

Any other advice you think I need to know?

I appreciate all your help and patience!!!

TripleB67

Shimagnolo

I am very happy with the hitch receiver I bought from here: Trailer Hitches & Vehicle Accessories (800)298-8924

I would go with 2".

I'm not as happy with the bike rack I bought, but I always recommend racks that hold bike by the wheels;
Not the cheap ones that leave bikes swinging by the top tube.

Dirt Farmer

Save up some money if you have to, and go for 1UpUSA

https://www.1upusa.com/bicycleracks.html

They are simply the best and lightest, and fold up very compactly when not in use. Can easily carry one with one hand.

yellow130

Etrailer for hitches. If you can, Get a 2" receiver. If not, 1.25 works just as well. All depends on what you ultimately want to pull/carry with you vehicle

Rei used gear sale for racks.

If you happen to purchase a rack with a 1.25" tongue, they sell adaptors to make it fit the larger one.

dedhed

I would be very surprised if you can buy a 2" receiver hitch for a Kia Optima as it likely isn't rated for a class III hitch which would be a 2". I suspect you'll only find class I 1.25" receivers. Any of the brand name hitches are fine, Draw Tite, Reese, Curt, Hidden hitch. Hidden, Reese, and Draw Tite are all owned by the same company.
I like Curt myself because they are made in WI where I live.

Most quality racks are set up to use either 2 or 1.25

Always take the # of bike capacity with a grain of salt too. My 2 bike Yakima will rarely fit 2 bikes unless they are just right in size. If you can, try before you buy.

jforman

Find out what size (1 1/4, or 2 inch ) will fit your car. Have the hitch installed and look to craig's list for the hitch. I have used both and I find they both work. Relative to bicycles as hanging fruit or tire support, I, again have used both, but prefer the tire support, yet I have keep the hanging bicycles stable from front to rear pendulation with a bungee cord from the hitch up support to the most outward frame ( the furthest frame from the car hitch). The bungee cord cradles the bicycle or bicycles from the fore and aft rotation caused by the movement of the car when driving.
But with carbon frame bicycles, I definitely prefer tire support types as I believe there will be less strain on the frame.

fietsbob

If you get a 2" receiver, you can put a Hitch Ball in it and tow a lockable trailer to keep your bikes in.
\

My trips in Europe, I saw people put stuff in trailers just when they needed to carry stuff
rather than drive around a Pickup truck empty, like is done in the USA.

dedhed

Then you get to store and maintain a trailer

Shimagnolo

One day at a trailhead, I saw a 1UPUSA rack for the first time, and went over to take a closer look.
Next thing I knew, I was joined by another cyclist, both of us admiring it in amazement.
Once you've seen one in person, nothing else even comes close.

Clem von Jones

Something like this: Yakima DoubleDown 4 Bike Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting Yakima Hitch Bike Racks Y02424

It has both a pivot at the hitch and another at the arms. With a pivot at the arms you might fit into a garage. It also has anti-sway mounts to prevent the bicycles from swinging by changes in acceleration. It seems to me these three features are ideal. Unsure why some people have issues with dangling wheels.

benaroundawhile

Tray mount hitch racks are a much better solution. More stable, no frame contact points. Less frame interference.

They are more expensive though.

TripleB67

Has anyone used/installed a Draw Tite trailer hitch?

https://m.autoanything.com/towing/dra...awoaAvLi8P8HAQ

Thanks for all the advice so far!


TripleB

dedhed

These guys have.

Trailer Hitch Installation - 2013 Kia Optima - Draw-Tite Video | etrailer.com

Laurido92

I recommend AutoAnything.com or etrailer.com. They also sell the bike carriers but I would check Performancebike.com.

trainchaser

I just finished searching for a new rack for my new bike, was looking for one that didn't contact the frame, ended up with a tray/platform type that uses clamps to hold the wheels, Saris Freedom Superclamp 2, it has nothing but rave reviews, here's a link:
https://www.saris.com/product/superclamp-2.

dedhed

Saris 20% off sale

https://www.saris.com/?utm_campaign=...ource=facebook

Scarbo

Pssst: Küat. Just do it. Sooner rather than later.

benaroundawhile

The Kuat NV is definitely more robust than the Saris but also more expensive. It also looks like the Saris will sway more (based on their videos).

RushFan2112

I love my Kuat NV. Highly recommended.

Rollfast

I've never seen a rack hitch. All the trailers I've seen attach at the seat tube or top of the arms.


If that's not exactly what they are called, don't smirk, Derailleur, cassette and raconteur are some of the only French words I know, the second was always made by Maxell or TDK in my youth.

Dirt Farmer

I returned my Kuat platform rack for my 1UpUsa and have never looked back.

mattswa

I am a fan of the 1Up as well. Not inexpensive but they are very nice.

Pendergast

1UPUSA is what I have, and it's superb. I only have the single bike model which is all I need, so while a bit pricey, it wasn't too bad. They can get pretty expensive for more than one bike. Still, I like mine enough that if I needed more capacity, I'd stick with 1UP.

dwing

I went to U-haul. They wanted something like 60$ plus 100$ for installation. I bought the hitch ', took it home ,and did it myself in 30 minutes on my jeep cherokee. Same design as the one shown on Draw Tite site. A socket wrench was the only tool needed. Check Youtube or Uhaul site ..etc for installation diagram. If its a couple of bolts do it yourself.