Trailer Hitch and 2 Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2010 Chevy Malibu

Expert Reply:

There are many different types of bike racks. Some attach to a hitch, others mount on the vehicles trunk. Some tilt, some swing out to the side. The good thing about most racks is that you can install them yourself, though a dealer that sells bike racks can install one for you.

If you do not have a trailer hitch, but want a hitch-mounted bike rack, the first step is to find the right hitch for your vehicle. For your 2010 Chevy Malibu we have several hitches available. All are Class II hitches which means they can carry a certain amount of weight, usually 350 pounds of downward weight on the tongue (hitch opening) and 3,500 pounds of gross trailer weight. You will not have to be concerned with this weight for a bike rack.

If you would like a hitch, I recommend the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 36479, which is a custom fit for your 2010 Chevy Malibu. I have included installation instructions linked below. This hitch has a 1-1/4 inch hitch opening so the bike rack will need to fit that 1-1/4 opening.

I recommend the Swagman 2 Bike Carrier, # S64650. This rack supports the bike at the wheels and has ratcheting hooks for the bike frame for easy use. I have included a video review of this rack and installation instructions below.

If you do not want to install a hitch, another option is a trunk-mounted bike rack. I recommend the Thule Passage 2 Bike Carrier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack, # TH910XT, which will fit your 2010 Chevy Malibu. This rack is fairly easy to install and it has folding arms that can fold down when not in use. I have included a video review and instructions below.

expert reply by: Michael H