Recommended Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack for a 2016 Nissan Leaf

Published 08/16/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(683)

$16.26

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(62)

$319.40

Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1692)

$234.50

Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(133)

$49.00

Question:

I have a 2016 Nissan Leaf and I think Ill probably buy a CURT Class 1 Trailer Hitch to use for a bike rack. Are there any trailer-mounted bike racks or trunk-mounted if that would work that would allow me to open the trunk without tilting the rack out of the way? Thank you.

asked by: Shannon

Expert Reply:

The Curt Class I Trailer Hitch # C11396 is a confirmed fit for your 2016 Nissan Leaf. Due to the warranty of the hitch you will need to use a stabilization strap like # 18050 with any non-trailer load which includes a bike rack.

Also with a Class I hitch you will be limited to 1-1/4" Class I rated bike racks like # TH9042PRO because this hitch can only support 150lbs of tongue weight. The Helium is a great bike rack for your Leaf, because it is very light weight. You will also only be able to carry up to 2 bikes due to leverage, so keep that in mind, you can place a 4 bike rack on your vehicle but only 2 bikes total. A popular platform style bike rack for your Class I hitch is the Swagman # S64670.

Bike racks are designed to stay close to the vehicle so that they can support the weight of the bikes being placed on the rack and extending them out far enough to allow for the hatch to open would decrease the stability during transport. This is why most of the bike racks have the tilting feature built in.

The Swagman Platform Bike Rack # S64670 will need to have no bikes loaded and the center mast folded down for the hatch to be able to open while the Thule Helium # TH9042 will use the tilt feature. It's important to note that on you Leaf you will need a bumper clearance of 5 inches for any accessory with the Curt hitch.

It is not safe to open the rear hatch of the vehicle with a trunk-mounted bike rack installed because it is applying more pressure to the door and the hooks securing could come loose, so I cannot recommend you use a trunk-mounted bike rack if you would like to access your rear door.

If you plan on transporting any alternative framed bikes, like many women's bikes are, you will need to use an adapter bar like # UB01 to mount them properly to the rack.

I have linked the above mentioned products, all the Class I compatible bike racks, and a few videos of the above mentioned racks to this page for your viewing and purchasing convenience.