Recommended Hitch Reciever For 2016 Mazda 6 And Bike Rack Also To Fit A 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Published 11/10/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(138)

$180.87

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

(666)

$15.93

Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1953)

$181.62

Yakima HandCuff Cable Lock for RidgeBack and SwingDaddy Bike Racks

(68)

$48.95

Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar

(220)

$38.95

Question:

Hi, im investigating adding a tube hitch like the 1.25inch Curt C11356 to my 2016 Mazda6 and then getting a platform bike rack like the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 that would be used on both the Mazda6 and 2008 FJ Cruiser with 2inch hitch carrying long wheelbase bikes. It seems i need and extension for the Mazda since the hitch is recessed 7inch or so and addition complication may be the FJ spare tire sticks out 10inch or so. Would i need a 7inch hitch extension to get out past the Mazda6 bumper if i had a typical 1.25/2inch platform bike rack?

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class I, # C11356, for your 2016 Mazda 6 along with the stabilizing strap # 18050. One of the measurements you will want is the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outer most part of the bumper is 6-1/4 inches.

For a platform bike rack, I called Kuat to get the rise of the shank dimension of the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 and it is right at 5 inches which won't work on your Mazda 6 without an adapter as you mentioned. I don't recommend the use of an adapter on this fitment because it reduces the weight rating on your hitch by 50% so once you add the bike carrier weight you are halfway to maxed out before adding bikes. The adapters also cause an increased bounce and sway that I don't think you'd like.

My recommendation to fit both of your vehicles the best is the Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # S64650. This rack has a measurement of 10 inches from center of hitch pin to closest part of the carrier when folded. I believe this will fit both vehicles when folded based on my research, but you will want to measure your FJ Cruiser to be sure...the one we have here only has a 6-1/2 inch measurement from the center of the pin hole to clear of the spare, but that is a different model year. This rack has the shank adapter to fit a 2 inch hitch receiver as well as the 1-1/4 inch hitch receiver along with a hitch lock that also acts as an anti-rattle device to keep the noise, sway, and bounce minimal. It also has an integrated cable lock to secure your bikes. The max wheelbase on this rack is 50 inches which should accommodate your long wheelbase bikes. This is a nice bike rack and the only platform rack we carry that will fit both of your unique vehicle fits.

expert reply by: Kate F