Okay, here’s my blog post about installing a 2-bike rack on my SUV, written in a casual, first-person style:
So, I finally decided to get a bike rack for the SUV. We’ve been wanting to take our bikes to some trails further from home, and tossing them in the back was getting old, plus, kinda scratching up the interior. I went with a 2-bike hitch rack because, well, we only have two bikes, and I didn’t want anything too bulky.
First things first, I measured the hitch receiver on my SUV. Gotta make sure the rack you buy is the right size! Turns out I have the standard 2-inch receiver, good to know.
Next, I shopped around for a rack and it made me confused. I don’t even know what is different from them. After I spent a few hours, I picked up one that looked sturdy and got good reviews.
The Installation Begins (and Ends Pretty Quickly)
Unboxing the thing was probably the hardest part. So much cardboard and zip ties! Once I got everything laid out, it actually looked pretty straightforward.
The main part of the rack, the big “arm” that holds the bikes, just slid right into the hitch receiver. I lined up the holes, then pushed a big pin through to secure it. There was also a little bolt that I tightened with a wrench to keep everything from wobbling around.
- Slide the rack into the hitch.
- Insert the pin.
- Tighten the anti-wobble bolt. Yep, that easy.
Then came the part where you actually put the bikes on. The rack I got has these cradles that you set the bike frames into, and then you strap them down with these rubber thingies. It took a little bit of fiddling to get the bikes positioned just right, but once I did, they felt really secure.
And… that’s pretty much it! Honestly, the whole thing took maybe 20 minutes, tops. I was expecting a much bigger project, but it was surprisingly simple. Now I check the rear view to make sure it is safe before I really go to the road.
I’m so glad I got the hitch mount. It’s made things so much easier, no more throwing things in the trunk and worrying about damage, ready for next outdoor plan!
