Adding a trailer hitch to a Matrix XRS '09

[Throckmorton]

Most bikes don't weigh any much more than 40 pounds a piece. My mountain bike, which wasn't super light, weighed 30 pounds right on. If your talking road bikes then they are even more lightweight.

The bikes have leverage though. I'm sure it will be fine though unless you try to carry 4 heavy Wal Mart bikes

 

[Zenmervolt]

Tongue weight is also for balancing trailers, though - if there's no trailer to balance, I don't think a few extra pounds in the back will hurt much at all (no more than having additional weight in the trunk, just perhaps amplified due to the position).

True. And the often-quoted 10% number isn't set in stone. You don't want to go much lighter than 10% tongue weight, but 15% isn't going to be a problem.

As long as the bikes aren't made of cast iron, I agree that the OP will be fine.

ZV

 

[EagleKeeper]

I would anti-seize fasteners and sliding stuff when installing the hitch, but I wouldn't worry about rust on the hitch body. The sheet metal construction of your car will rust away long before the hitch does.

If you are really worried about rust on the hitch, it will be surface oxide rust anyway.
Get a can of Rust Oleaum paint and do the hitch. Added benefit is to color match the vehicle

 

[dlock13]

I'm not that worried. It was just a slight concern.

Also, you guys talking all these numbers and such, I have no idea what you're going on about haha.

One more thing, in my previous post, I linked a picture to what the back of my car looks like. Will I have to make any cuts near the bumper or will it be all right when I go to install the hitch?

 

[thomsbrain]

The hitch won't weigh any more than your spare tire and you haul that around all the time.

 

[EagleKeeper]

I'm not that worried. It was just a slight concern.

Also, you guys talking all these numbers and such, I have no idea what you're going on about haha.

One more thing, in my previous post, I linked a picture to what the back of my car looks like. Will I have to make any cuts near the bumper or will it be all right when I go to install the hitch?

Much will depend on the style if the hitch.

Best is to spend a couple extra bucks and buy the hitch from a local shop. That way you can check how it will work and have professional help if needed.

Support your local small businesses

 

[dlock13]

Sadly, I don't have the funds at the moment for a hitch and bike rack. What is a decent bike rack for around $50 I can get for my car? The past couple days we've been shoving our bikes in my car with the hatch down and it's really not convenient at all. >_<

 

[thedarkwolf]

Don't think you can get a decent trunk rack for $50 new. You might try hitting craigslist or pinkbike.com's classified section.

Saris Sentinel is $58 for the two bike version or $68 for the three on amazon. Saris is at least a decent brand. I mention the three bike version since people are saying the two bike version is a tight fit for 2 bikes.

 

[phucheneh]

Does your Matrix not have a roof rack? I think all Vibes had racks; not sure about the 'yodas.

Also not sure how much bike adapters cost, but I gotta guess it's a lot less than a hitch mount and/or a whole separate bike rack.

 

[dlock13]

Does your Matrix not have a roof rack? I think all Vibes had racks; not sure about the 'yodas.

Also not sure how much bike adapters cost, but I gotta guess it's a lot less than a hitch mount and/or a whole separate bike rack.

It has slots for a roof rack, but I don't have any hardware for it.