Will Swagman Traveler XCS Bike Rack for Ball Mount Work on 2012 Honda Fit
Updated 08/15/2017 | Published 08/13/2017
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Question:
Does this work for Honda Fit 2012? Also, I have a question about hitch receiver size for this rack. Im getting hitch receiver installed next Sunday. The installer guy told me I dont need to get ball yet unless Im towing a trailer. I understand that with this rack, I can tow a trailer too. It says something about the ball size. Please enlighten me as I do not know well about the hitch. Should I go ahead with the installation of the receiver? Im assuming that the receiver has one universal size, and it is only the ball that has different size. I appreciate your quick response as, if I need a different receiver, I have to call Uhaul and change my order. Thank you,
asked by: Yayoi K
Expert Reply:
The Swagman Traveler XCS - Platform-Style 2 Bike Rack # S64664 referenced in your question has a unique design in that it does not actually attach to or slide into the trailer hitch receiver itself. In order to use this particular rack, you will need to have the trailer hitch installed along with a 2 inch ball mount like # D-26. The bike rack will then clamp onto the shank of the ball mount, allowing you to carry your bikes while also towing a trailer.
Based on my research, the available trailer hitches for your 2012 Honda Fit are all Class I, 1-1/4 inch receivers. If that is what you are having installed on your vehicle, this particular bike rack will not be compatible. The 1-1/4 inch receiver on the trailer hitch will not be able to accept a 2 inch ball mount, which is what is needed for this bike rack to work. I also recommend checking the tongue and towing weight capacity of your Honda Fit, as transporting a couple of bikes while towing a trailer may be exceeding its limits. This information should be listed in your copy of the owner's manual.
If the trailer hitch for your vehicle is in fact a Class I model, you will need to choose a bike rack that is compatible with Class I trailer hitches. Also note that the most bikes a Class I trailer hitch can transport is 2. I have attached a link that will take you to our available selection of compatible bike racks that you can look through. I recommend looking at the Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack # S64670. This is a very nice platform rack that is compatible with Class I hitches and can hold up to 2 bikes at 35 pounds each. I recommend adding the Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable # S64031 to secure everything into place.
Considering the weight limits of both a Class I trailer hitch and your Honda Fit, I cannot recommend transporting bikes while also towing a trailer. Doing so will likely exceed the capacity of your vehicle and may lead to damage.
