Originally Posted by JOD
Originally Posted by jcartwright99
Originally Posted by JOD
just curious, what's your aversion to a hitch? Not sure what vehicle you have, but most are pretty unobtrusive, easy to install and inexpensive. The low load height on a platform-style rack (one that holds the bikes by the wheels) makes loading really easy.
Let's see. Add's weight. Costs extra. Not designed for it so it mucks up the design of the rear. I have a 2017 Ford Fusion. Not a sports car or luxury car but it's a nice car. I just don't see the value of adding a hitch for roughly 300 only to spend another 300 for attachment. Sea sucker is small to store and only 300.
The Curt hitch is a little over $100 bucks. You can see what it looks like in these photos--it's pretty hidden (you can even cut the chain loop off, which I've done before):
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Ford/Fusion/2017/C12091.html?VehicleID=20178806
Installation looks pretty simple if you have ramps or jackstands. Yes, it adds a small amount of weight, but you won't have the fuel economy hit when driving with a bike on the roof, nor will you have the wind noise. The bike is also a lot more protected during transport.
You can get a solid platform-style rack for $120:
https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-Racks/Swagman/S64650.html
I've had a hitch on my last 4 cars, and I'm putting one on my Golf R. The little square hanging off the back just doesn't bother me. And it's reversible--can always be unbolted. I've dealt with roof racks for a long time, and this is just such a better option, imo.
It's not a simple unbolting, you have to remove the bumper cover, then the bumper rebar to remove the hitch. With a car that low from the factory, you'll be hearing scraping sounds if there is a inclined entrance ramp or driveway, since my old Passat with a hitch, the platform rack was always dragging.
The basic Swagman rack, well, it's a basic rack... if you want to access the hatch with a bike on it, you have to remove the bike and fold the arm down, not that convenient. So yes, you can spend more to get a platform rack that tilts down to access the hatch, and not contact the frame at all. Some people don't like racks that need to hold the bike at its frame.