2 inch hitch receiver for a Hatchback?

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › 2 inch hitch receiver for a Hatchback?

AlDrag

247 posts

Master Geek

#289135 15-Aug-2021 12:44

I currently own a 2010 Honda Fit that I'd love to get a 2 inch Hitch receiver for so I can get a quality bike rack for our mountain bikes. We plan on only carrying 2 bikes so the max load would probably only be 50kgs.

Unfortunately I've had bad luck with contacting towbar installers in Auckland. None seem to be able to install a hitch on this car. It's very easy to get it done in America for comparison.

Anyone know of any possibilities? Hitch receivers seem to be a lot less common here in NZ.

1 | 2

1705 posts

Uber Geek

#2760190 15-Aug-2021 12:58

https://www.aucklandtowbars.co.nz/partfinder/product/list/?make=Honda&model=Fit&year=2010&var=Hatchback

Electric kiwi signup credit Sharesies credit

AlDrag

247 posts

Master Geek

#2760191 15-Aug-2021 13:03

blackjack17:
https://www.aucklandtowbars.co.nz/partfinder/product/list/?make=Honda&model=Fit&year=2010&var=Hatchback

That it's a fixed towball tongue. Not a hitch receiver?

blackjack17

1705 posts

Uber Geek

#2760194 15-Aug-2021 13:22

Not sure why you need just a hitch receiver?

I used that company to install a tow bar on a legacy and use one of these https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/E0CATN4A4/title/advantage-4-bike-rack-7ad09c

Aren't most bike racks going to to mount on a towbar?

The other option would be something like this https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T7CARN9TR/title/trio-boot-mount-3-bike-cycle-rack-w-eco-cradle

which doesn't require a towbar at all.

Electric kiwi signup credit Sharesies credit

AlDrag

247 posts

Master Geek

#2760199 15-Aug-2021 13:34

I want a rack that doesn't touch the frame at all. Like https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-rack/hitch-bike-racks/thule-t2-pro-xtr-2---2-_-9034xtr
Or
https://www.yakima.co.nz/holdup-evo-2

blackjack17

1705 posts

Uber Geek

#2760200 15-Aug-2021 13:37

So like this one https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T7CATN0CA/title/volt-towball-mount-2-e-bike-channel-rack

(which uses a tow bar)

Electric kiwi signup credit Sharesies credit

AlDrag

247 posts

Master Geek

#2760201 15-Aug-2021 13:39

It still holds the frame and isn't very wide (my bike has a long wheelbase).

Although that's definitely the best one you've linked so far, but the yakima/thule is so much better since it holds purely at the wheels. The Thule is pricey though.

I do appreciate you trying to help me out though.

Sidestep

1013 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2760267 15-Aug-2021 16:52

AlDrag: I currently own a 2010 Honda Fit that I'd love to get a 2 inch Hitch receiver for so I can get a quality bike rack for our mountain bikes. We plan on only carrying 2 bikes so the max load would probably only be 50kgs.

Unfortunately I've had bad luck with contacting towbar installers in Auckland. None seem to be able to install a hitch on this car. It's very easy to get it done in America for comparison.

Anyone know of any possibilities? Hitch receivers seem to be a lot less common here in NZ.

Surely no one makes a 2" receiver for a Fit?
A 'class 1' (1-1/4-inch) receiver would be standard for that size of vehicle.
Your Thule rack looks like it's designed to fit class 1 through 4 hitches - or an adaptor is only a couple $.
Wonder what the cost would be to import one from the US and get it certified?

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

AlDrag

247 posts

Master Geek

#2760284 15-Aug-2021 17:31

So this one is super popular in America https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Honda/Fit/2010/306-X7286.html?vehicleid=201048238

Seen several people using it with the Thule rack on American forums.

But yea I assume shipping it here and getting it certified would be really expensive. And then have to get someone to install it. They do have very helpful installation videos though.

If I instead had only a class 1 hitch option for installation in NZ, then I'd be open to it, but the 2 inch receiver is a lot sturdier for bike racks apparently.

Ruphus

465 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2760312 15-Aug-2021 18:23

https://www.campbellbros.co.nz/towbars-nz-towbar

https://www.nstowbars.co.nz/products/towbars/

https://loadmaster.co.nz/tow-bars/

Just a few that could custom make a tow bar or supply one with a removable tongue.

AlDrag

247 posts

Master Geek

#2760313 15-Aug-2021 18:24

Ruphus: https://www.campbellbros.co.nz/towbars-nz-towbar

https://www.nstowbars.co.nz/products/towbars/

https://loadmaster.co.nz/tow-bars/

Just a few that could custom make a tow bar or supply one with a removable tongue.

Thanks! I'll give them a contact.

Otherwise maybe I'll just get a station wagon. Just would prefer to stick with 1 vehicle. Especially since the Honda fit is pretty economical.

Bung

6489 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#2760326 15-Aug-2021 19:21

AlDrag: But yea I assume shipping it here and getting it certified would be really expensive.

Certication of towbars is only an issue for Passenger Service Vehicles subject to a COF.

Googling shows that you have been chasing this for some time 😀. If you can't get a removable hitch it is possible to get an adapter that bolts on in place of a tow ball.

AlDrag

247 posts

Master Geek

#2760330 15-Aug-2021 19:26

Haha I certainly have been looking for a long time. Sort of casually though.

Currently been putting my bike in the back of a 2005 Honda Fit. But it's going to fail its WOF in October and isn't worth repairing so going to scrap it, hence why we got a 2010 Honda Fit. Wife loves it too much to put dirty bikes in the back though haha, hence why I really want a hitch receiver now.

Otherwise thinking of getting a Honda Accord Tourer, but $$$. Prefer having just 1 car if I can help it.

Just frustrating because Hitch receivers seem so common in America. Mostly everyone seems to just use roof racks that kill mileage efficiency or a shitty rack on the back that blocks your boot or requires straps etc around your nice carbon frame.

The hitch adapter from a towball is interesting. Makes me a bit weary on the safety though.

Bung

6489 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#2760351 15-Aug-2021 21:16

You remove the towball and bolt the hitch receiver in its place.

https://www.outbackequipment.com.au/ball-mount-receiver-adaptor-with-anti-swivel-plate?gclid=CjwKCAjw9uKIBhA8EiwAYPUS3PDfIwVqLlkVVG1eYrjEBmNy02rLK5c-WD0iO2YnyBMAWE2sChr5hBoCS80QAvD_BwE

mudguard

2119 posts

Uber Geek

#2760353 15-Aug-2021 21:28

Ironically my current car has a hitch receiver but my previous car didn't.

I'd honestly just get a normal tow bar and then a rack that fits.
Here's mine on my Camry and my Corolla

AlDrag

247 posts

Master Geek

#2760356 15-Aug-2021 21:36

That hitch adapter is interesting. Looks sturdy so might alright, especially since bikes weight less than an adult human.

Cool you got a hitch mount, but as I can see in your photos you have straps around the bikes to prevent them moving around I assume? Also the cloth on the frame holder to avoid scratching? This is exactly the reason I want a better rack like the Yakima Hold Up. I mean sure, you could be arguing I am just being fussy, but if I had a Hitch, then I could get a better rack for basically the same price as these other platform ones.

Towbar (with a removal towball, if I can find someone to do so) with the hitch adapter might be my only option for a hitch rack.

1 | 2