Bumper and Ground Clearance on Hitches for 2008 Buick LaCrosse

Published 10/28/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(46)

$237.38

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

(18)

$247.97

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Black

(588)

$759.00

Question:

It appears that you offer two hitches for a 2008 Buick LaCrosse, Curt 12239 and Draw-Tite 36374. I want to use a hitch primarily for a bicycle rack that fits into a 1 1/4inch opening. Im concerned that the hitch opening might lie so far forward of the rear-most part of the rear fender that the bike rack might not slide into place. The specifications for both hitches are missing these two most important details: 1 Where in relation to the rearmost part of the fender does the hitch opening of these two hitches lie? 2 Do these hitches reduce the vehicles ground clearance? If so, how close to the ground does the new lowest point lie for each hitch? Thanks in advance.

asked by: Richard

Expert Reply:

When installing a bike rack, bumper clearance is important. Two important measurements are hitch pin hole on receiver to end of bumper and hitch pin hole on the bike rack to the closest point of the rack. For bumper clearance, when we installed this on a 2009 Buick LaCrosse, the distance from the hitch pin hole to the end of the bumper was 6" with the Draw-Tite # 36374. I attached a picture for your reference.

As for ground clearance, the measurement from the top of the receiver to the ground was 12" on the Draw-Tite # 36374. We weren't able to test fit the Curt # C12239 on a similar vehicle to yours, but both hitches have such similar specs and design that it should have the same clearance.

An example of a compatible bike rack with this hitch is the Kuat Sherpa # SH22B. The measurement from its hitch pin to the closest point of the rack when folded up is 7-1/2". When folded down and loaded with bikes, its 11 inches. If you already have a bike rack, I recommend checking its measurements to see if it works.

expert reply by: Evangeline M