Hitch and Easy to Use Bike Rack Recommendation for 2012 Hyundai Accent  

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Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Class I hitch, part # 24884 is what I'd recommend. The similarly-numbered 24844 you mentioned fits the Elantra Touring Hatchback, and wouldn't fit your Accent. Due to its modest tongue weight capacity, the bike rack and hitch manufacturers recommend that a bike rack used in a Class I hitch should be limited to carrying two bikes. Adding additional bikes would place too much leverage on the hitch, which could damage the hitch or its attachment points to the vehicle.

A hitch could not only be used as an attachment point for a bike rack, but also for a cargo carrier like # C18110.

The Kuat Beta, part # B202-114 is an extremely light (about 12 lbs) bike rack that's very easy to use. The integrated anti-rattle system prevents the rack from moving around in the hitch, providing a stable ride for your bikes. A hitch lock, part # HL1 and a cable lock, part # e98891 are sold separately.

A trunk mounted bike rack would be another option. Thule offers their Raceway trunk mounted bike rack in a 2 bike model, part # TH45JV or a 3 bike model, part # TH56BV. If you've ever used a trunk mounted rack before, the OutWay is completely different. Rather than the 6 clumsy adjustable straps and buckles you'd need to fumble round with, the OutWay uses only 2 rubber coated straps allowing the rack to be installed or removed in seconds. The rack is lockable, which secures the rack to the vehicle, and the rack features an integrated cable lock to secure the bikes to the rack.

When the cost of the hitch, hitch mounted bike rack, and locks is totaled, you'll see that the OutWay # TH56BV three bike model would allow you to carry one more bike than the hitch mounted rack at a lower cost.

expert reply by: Mike L

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