How Can Three Bikes Be Carried with 2011 Honda Fit  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Due to the limited tongue weight capacity of the Class I receiver available for the Honda Fit, only two bikes may be carried on any bike rack installed on it. The problem is not entirely with the weight of the bikes, but with the fact that additional bikes will place the load further rearward from the receiver opening. This places additional leverage on the receiver, which can damage the receiver as well as its attachment points to the vehicle. Have you ever slipped a length of pipe over the end of a socket wrench to achieve greater leverage for loosening a stuck bolt? This is the same principle.

I have confirmed that the trunk mounted racks will not work with the spoiler on the Fit.

Your best bet for carrying three bikes would be to go with a roof rack, and install a receiver hitch like the Draw-Tite Class I, part # 24826.

I spoke with our contacts at Thule, and there are roof rack options for the Fit. A rack can be constructed using the following parts:

50 inch load bars, part # THLB50
Traverse roof foot pack, part # TH480
Vehicle-specific fit kit, part # THKIT1465

Thule offers a variety of roof-mounted bike carriers like the Prolouge XT, part # TH516XT that will work with the roof rack once its installed.

When choosing a hitch mounted bike rack, be sure to choose a rack that is compatible with a Class I receiver, like the Swagman XTC-2 you referenced, part # S64670 would be a good choice.

I have provided links to the products recommended, as well as install instructions and install and review videos.

expert reply by: Mike L

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