Trailer hitch bike rack
#1
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Location: Austin, TX
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Trailer hitch bike rack
With the fold-down rear seats I could fit my mountain bike in the back of the S4 (had to remove one or both wheels, but that's easy), but it doesn't fit in the trunk of the G37. I've been looking at options for bike racks that fit the G37 and would prefer to avoid anything that might scratch the trunk or roof paint if possible. As a result I'm primarily looking at adding a small hitch under the rear bumper, ideally one that doesn't stick out at all, and getting a hitch-mounted bike rack.
With just a quick search I found the following hitch that appears to be made for the G37 and corresponding rack, and I wondered if anyone had any experience with them, or even better, if anyone has a recommendation for something that's worked well for them. It seems to require trimming the fascia on the underside of the vehicle, but something tells me that's going to be the case with any hitch I add to the car.
Anyway, I appreciate any insights you guys can share!
With just a quick search I found the following hitch that appears to be made for the G37 and corresponding rack, and I wondered if anyone had any experience with them, or even better, if anyone has a recommendation for something that's worked well for them. It seems to require trimming the fascia on the underside of the vehicle, but something tells me that's going to be the case with any hitch I add to the car.
Anyway, I appreciate any insights you guys can share!
#4
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Hah! Well, I pretty much ride trails exclusively so, while I've seen Lance around town, I'm definitely not trying to emulate him or fall into a convoy with him. Town Lake is very cool but there are many fun, more technical trails around town. My office is actually on the Barton Creek greenbelt which is a great trail, and for the most part I'm wanting the bike rack to take my bike to/from work so I can ride over lunch or before/after work, though there are other trails I'd likely visit on weekends once it's convenient again.
#7
Using my custom hitch designed and installed by A & B Trailer Hitch of Redwood city. Stock mounting location is very weak, this is fully integrated, you could really load it up if you wanted to - zero flex.
Attachment 111139
Attachment 111139
Hey, can you send me a picture of the custom hitch. I have a curt hitch but it bolts to the bumper. I am trying to trailer my motorcycle to the track. I have a 4x8. I tried emailing A&B but no response.
Last edited by jket007; 03-30-2016 at 11:13 AM.
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#8
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Two ideas for you so take them for what they are worth.
Today's trunk mounted bike racks are really good at protecting the paint and easy to set up unlike the ones of 5-10 years ago so you might want to take a look.
If you are already used to removing the wheels, you could also do the same and stand the bike up in front of the back seats. Just take an old beach towel to wrap around the crank/pedals so they don't scratch anything and throw the wheels in the trunk. I used to do that on another car that had a high spoiler and made it very difficult to use a trunk mounted rack.
Today's trunk mounted bike racks are really good at protecting the paint and easy to set up unlike the ones of 5-10 years ago so you might want to take a look.
If you are already used to removing the wheels, you could also do the same and stand the bike up in front of the back seats. Just take an old beach towel to wrap around the crank/pedals so they don't scratch anything and throw the wheels in the trunk. I used to do that on another car that had a high spoiler and made it very difficult to use a trunk mounted rack.
#9
Premier Member
For just one bike? This idea is actually not a bad one. I use a trunk mount one occasionally myself with no problems. And just to be a little safe I put tiny pieces of clear protective vinyl right where the hooks meet the trunk lid.
#11
Thanks! I actually ended up removing the hitch and got a cheap 3rd gen 4runner to tow with. The hitch kept scraping on my driveway of my new place and I started to not like the look of it anymore.
#12
Registered User
so that hitch is supposed to bolt on directly on to the rear steel bumper. easy installation and good price, but is it really safe to put that much weight on the bumper? doesn't the bumper has shock absorbers and other stuff?
the reviews look good so i guess i'll take the chance
#13
so that hitch is supposed to bolt on directly on to the rear steel bumper. easy installation and good price, but is it really safe to put that much weight on the bumper? doesn't the bumper has shock absorbers and other stuff?
the reviews look good so i guess i'll take the chance
#15
How did it hold up? The bumper on the G is meant to break away during a crash. I need to tow my bike to the track as well. I have the G37S. Got the curt hitch and all. But hesitating on the install since I've been reading more on it. Did you have to reinforce the support that holds the bumper? They are tact welded.