Recommendation for Hitch and Bike Rack

[Danuride]

Hello,
I've got a 2020 EX leased for 2 years. I don't want to shell out a ton or do any modifying that can't be unmodified. That said, I'd love to be able to put a couple bikes somewhere on my ride. I've never had a car with a hitch before so I'd love guidance with these q's:

What components do I need to buy? (Specific inexpensive recommendations appreciated.)
How much might installation cost?
Is it difficult to put it back how I got it when it's time to return the car?

Thanks!

 

[jeffo65]

Look at etrailer.com they will have a hitch. The hitch is fairly inexpensive and you can install it yourself. If you don’t want to install it, go to a uhaul dealer or camper/trailer store and they can install and get a hitch for you. Then you need to buy a bike rack if you don’t have one already. Just make sure it fits the hitch receiver (1 1/4 or 2 1/2). The prices of racks range from $70 to $600 roughly. Hope this helps

 

[GHT]

I have seen some post where they cut a notch in the bumper with an aftermarket hitch. That would not work well with a lease.

 

[alexdrums]

The way I read the original post is the guy already has a hitch. I’ve never bought a hitch bike rack before, but as far as I know if you have a hitch, all the racks come with everything else you need and it’s plug and play.

______________________________

 

[GHT]

^ Agree, if OP has an OE hitch, it should be easy. Lots of options.

 

[jeffo65]

If the OP is only looking for a hitch rack, then there are a few things to be aware of.

1 - tray rack or hanging rack? A tray rack is a bike rack where your bike’s wheels rest on the bike rack whereas the hanging rack is one in which the frame rests on the bike rack.

2 - make sure the rack fits the hitch (1 1/4 or 2 1/2)

3 - swing away rack or tilt down? Both will allow access to rear hatch while bikes on rack. One type will swing to the side while the other type tilts down.

4 - make sure bikes fit rack. If you have a fat tire bike, some tray racks are not wide enough to fit tires.

I have a Kuat Sherpa 2 bike tray rack. It tilts down allowing me to access hatch when bikes are on the rack.

I have installed 2 hitches on Tellurides and neither one had to have the rear bumper notched. They just hang below the bumper. Easy install but takes time and two people as you have to drop spare and exhaust.