Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendations for a 2014 Acura RDX

Question:

I need a hitch mount bike rack for my 2014 Acura RDX. Acura dealer price is $370 for the rack and $180 for installation. These seem way too high! They say it is Class I. I figured I can buy a rack from you folks and get it installed by a local shopsounds like these Curt hitches for 2014 Acura RDX do not require drilling. Can you suggest a hitch? I plan to only use it for a bike rack of carrying 2 bikes. Im not sure about a 1.25 or 2inch need, but probably 1.25inch is fine. Do I need some sort of stabilization bar? Not sure what that is. Can you explain? Are these easy to install?

asked by: Jon L

Expert Reply:

First, the Curt hitches for your 2014 Acura RDX are going to require the use of a stabilization strap, # 18050, when using the hitch for any non-trailer load such as a bike rack or cargo carrier. It is part of the Curt warranty requirements. The idea is that the strap reduces some of the stress on the hitch.

The strap can be difficult to install depending on the vehicle and is considered a hassle by many customers. So I recommend going with a Draw-Tite hitch # 75784. This is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch receiver. It does not require a strap. There is no drilling required. The 2 inch receiver is going to afford you more bike rack options than a 1-1/4 inch hitch.

Installation is not all that difficult at all. It would take a novice installer probably an hour to 2 hours to complete the installation. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you to view.

One of the most popular bike racks for Acura RDX owners is the Thule Helium Aero, # TH9042PRO. This is the Thule top of the line rack. It weighs only 19 pounds, its made of aluminum, and features cradles with road-dampening technology. I have linked a video review of this rack for you on a similar vehicle.

Another popular rack for your vehicle is the Yakima RidgeBack, # Y02458. This rack has a shipping weight of 47.6 pounds. It does not have the same amount of features as the Helium Aero but for the price this is an excellent rack. I have linked a video review of it as well.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical mens bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # TH982XT. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wifes bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my sons bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.