What Is Needed For Towing A Cargo Trailer And 4 Bike Hitch-Bike Rack On A 2008 Acura MDX

Question:

I have an 08 Acura MDX which I use for towing a small cargo trailer with my valley hitch 2. I want to have add a bike rack as well. Which method is the most solid setup. I am trying to decide between the sport rack 4 w/ tow bar or a dual hitch w/ a standard 4 bike rack. what pros and cons should I consider. I do want to access my tailgate with everything installed. Thanks.

asked by: brea n

Expert Reply:

You will want to check the tongue weight capacity of the hitch on your 2008 Acura MDX to make sure it will be able to handle the tongue weight of your trailer loaded and the tongue weight of the bike rack loaded, including the weight of the bike rack.

To use the Swagman Original Folding 4 Bike Towing Rack, # S64675, on your 2008 Acura MDX with towing a trailer will depend on the size of the bikes and how many you intend to carry, turn clearance may become an issue, especially if the tongue of the trailer is short.

Also the trailer hitch ball that is attached to the end of the tow bar is straight out from the hitch receiver opening which will not provide a rise or drop for hookup of the trailer coupler. The recommended ball mount for your hitch usually has a 3/4 inch rise or a 2 inch drop. This might cause problems in keeping the trailer level when towing.

I would recommend the SportRack Escape Towing Rack, # A30404TW200. It has a ballmount that will give you a 1 inch rise or a 2 inch drop, which would help keep your trailer level. To make sure it will clear your bumper you will want to measure the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole on your hitch back to the farthest edge of the bumper. It will need to be less than 10 inches to fit.

The Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount. # D210, will work to tow a trailer and a bike rack. It will keep your trailer at the right height for towing your trailer level. But you will need to check some clearances to see if it will work for your application. Keep in mind that the receiver portion of the ball mount has a limited tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs.

You will want to measure on your hitch to make sure the top receiver will clear your bumper. Measure from the hitch pin hole straight out to the edge of the bumper. It will need to measure less than 5 inches to fit your vehicle.

You will also want to check if you will have clearance between the SportRack Escape Hitch Bike Rack, # A30404, and the trailer for 4 bikes to fit on the bike rack and the trailer to still turn without hitting the bikes.

The SportRack bike rack # A30404 measures 40-1/2 inches from the end of the shank that is inserted into the hitch to the end of the arms that the bikes are suspended from.

I am sending links to the instructions of the Swagman and SportRack bike racks and a video of a review on the SportRack bike rack.

expert reply by: Jeff D