Bike Rack Compatibility with Curt Cargo Carrier Installed on 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver

Published 05/17/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Clamp-On Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Ball Mounts

(78)

$143.64

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(798)

$170.60

20x60 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs

(1151)

$254.73

Question:

I have a 2016 Subaru Forester with a Draw-Tite 75876 receiver and Curt #18153 cargo carrier. Can I mount this bike rack to the shank of the cargo carrier? I only need to carry one bike, and Im hoping the bike will hover over the folding pin and leave the cargo basket mostly unobstructed. How important are the support straps? My last rack had straps that scratched my car. Could the straps run down to the corners of the cargo carrier instead of up to the car? Is there a better bike rack option that lets me keep using my Curt cargo carrier? Thanks!

asked by: Aaron R

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75876 has a measurement of 4-3/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outer edge of the bumper. The Curt Cargo Carrier # C18151 has a distance of 19 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the carrier when folded down.

The Curt Clamp-On 3 Bike Rack for 2" Ball Mounts - Towing # C18013 will fit on that shank but won't allow for enough clearance for the bike(s) to hover over the carrier. The straps are also important and you don't seem to want those on your hatch. You can see from the attached video that the wheel clearance will not be enough over a cargo basket.

My recommendation for a bike carrier with cargo carrier option is the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 Platform 2 Bike Rack w/Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # HR1450Z-85. This will replace your current carrier but give you the ability to also carry a bike. This requires no stability straps and is able to tilt away to allow access to your cargo area on your Forester.

expert reply by: Jason S