Recommended Hitch for 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV for Bike Rack and Cargo Carrier

Published 12/04/2018

Products Featured in This Question

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(206)

$390.67

19x47 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs

(1102)

$194.54

Curt Stretchable Cargo Net - 38" Wide x 44" Long

(230)

$21.67

Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(513)

$1099.95

Question:

I want a hitch for my EV Bolt to let me use a bike rack for my e-bike and possibly a second e-bike and a cargo carrier in the future. I have seen comments on forums saying no towing with this car, but does that affect a bike rack too? Help! I do not want to hurt my new car but I want to be able to use it for day trips to local biking trails and for those occasions when I can drag my husband and his tent out for a camping weekend.

asked by: Ruth A

Expert Reply:

You are correct that your 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV is not rated to tow a trailer. Most electric vehicles are not. But we do have hitches that will allow you to safely and securely transport two bikes and also to use a hitch-mount cargo carrier to haul your husband's weekend camping gear.

The hitches made for your Bolt EV are shown on the linked page. Since the highest-rated option has a 300-lb tongue weight rating (tongue weight is downward force on the hitch from what is mounted in it) I suggest the EcoHitch # 306-X7359 that you referenced. The hitch bolts on using the included hardware packet. No drilling is needed, just a little trimming of the plastic fascia.

You did not mention the actual weight of your e-bike but most of them are simply too heavy for standard bike racks which typically top out at a 35-lbs per bike capacity. Since you hinted at potentially getting an e-bike for your hubby I will recommend a special bike rack from Thule. Although this rack is on the higher side of the price spectrum, it could very well be the only one you need to buy - ever. I confess that I am of the "buy it once, buy it right" school of thought.

I suggest you consider the EasyFold platform rack for e-bikes, part # TH903202. The EasyFold packs a lot of superb engineering and lots of helpful features into a lightweight rack. The rack handles two bikes of up to 65-lbs each, it includes an integrated loading ramp that stores on the rack so you never have to lift your bike's weight, it fits both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch hitches, includes locks and a foot-operated tilt mechanism and it has built-in wheels to make moving it around a breeze. Please see the linked photo showing how the EasyFold lives up to its name.

For a hitch cargo carrier I suggest the cost-effective Curt model # C18110 because it features sturdy steel construction, a roomy 19 x 47-inch platform and because it also fits both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch hitches, just like the EasyFold. The carrier also includes an anti-rattle bolt. With the carrier you can use either a cargo net like # C18200 or a water-resistant cargo bag like # e98990.