Need hitch recommendations

[ChloeS]

Hey Everyone! Longtime visitor but new to being a member. I live in Oregon where my husband and I love to go mountain biking. We have an SUV and would put the bikes in the back, however we are selling it and waiting for delivery of our Model 3. Another couple who goes with us also fits their bikes in their vehicle but they have a sedan – the thought of putting our bikes inside our Tesla makes me cringe.

I’ve been advised to look into a roof rack or a hitch mounted bike rack. I don’t want to lift the bikes onto the roof. So, I was curious if anyone has experience with a hitch mounted bike rack? Any suggestions on a hitch brand or a bike rack brand?

 

[FlyF4]

Amen on forgetting about the roof rack for purpose of bikes. Too difficult getting them up and down. I am wondering if you got the "Tow option" on the car because Tesla sells an attachment for it that works well. But like everything else Tesla, it is expensive.

 

[fluxemag]

I don't have any experience with this one, but at least it's expensive!

2018 Tesla Model 3 Stealth EcoHitch

 

[UrsS]

I had this one 2018 Tesla Model 3 Stealth EcoHitch installed here in Sacramento - works great for bikes - you still need to buy the bike rack .

 

[SureValla]

I had this one 2018 Tesla Model 3 Stealth EcoHitch installed here in Sacramento - works great for bikes - you still need to buy the bike rack .

how much did the install cost you?

 

[RedModel3]

Amen on forgetting about the roof rack for purpose of bikes. Too difficult getting them up and down. I am wondering if you got the "Tow option" on the car because Tesla sells an attachment for it that works well. But like everything else Tesla, it is expensive.

I didn't think there was a tow option for Model 3. At least I didn't see any when I ordered.

 

[bnsfengineer]

how much did the install cost you?

It shows bolt on so you should be able to diy it!

 

[jamnmon66]

There's a few long threads in here about it.

 

[dhrivnak]

I had this one 2018 Tesla Model 3 Stealth EcoHitch installed here in Sacramento - works great for bikes - you still need to buy the bike rack .

I installed this one myself. It took about 4 hours with MOST of the time looking for the right bolts. I was told the issue is now fixed. It seems quite solid.

 

[UrsS]

@SureValla Everything included, tax etc. $745.99

 

[bnsfengineer]

@SureValla Everything included, tax etc. $745.99

That's an expensive bike hauler... but everybody has their priorities! Is that all your going to do with it? Curious

 

[SureValla]

I think I'm going to get the mini bomber seasucker for my road bikes. Granted one bike does fit in the back but only with the seats down.

https://www.seasucker.com/products/mini-bomber-1

 

[UrsS]

That's an expensive bike hauler... but everybody has their priorities! Is that all your going to do with it? Curious

So far that 's it. I can put a trailer on it, but so far no need for that. The bike rack is used about 4 days of the week.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

lol sea sucker.

 

[mekberg]

Another +1 for EcoHitch.

Tools required:

1. Push pin "spudger" or a flathead screwdriver
2. Torx (T25?)
   
3. Ratchet(s)
4. 8mm socket
   
5. 10mm socket
6. 15mm deep socket
7. Extension bar
8. 3 1/2" or 4" hole saw
9. Drill
10. Tape measure
11. Pencil
12. Rigid plastic prying device
13. Rubber mallet
14. 50 ft lb torque wrench
15. 15/16" socket or ratchet wrench

Set aside 3-4 hours for this.

I listed a prying device because my crash bar supports were epoxied to the rear of the car. I had a plastic spatula used for patching drywall holes and tapped this between the supports and body to avoid gouging the primer.

I opted for the smaller 3 1/2" hole saw which works but doesn't leave a ton of room for the 15/16" socket and ratchet. As such I ordered a ratcheting wrench from the Amazons: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F511EXA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Let me know if you have any other questions or would like additional photos.

 

[smithg13]

I ordered the EcoHitch and had an autobody shop install it for ~$150. I have a 1-Up hitch that can be expanded to hold 4 bikes. Just using 1 tray is very compact when folded up and looks great! My only complaint is the backup camera thinks I'm 4" from hitting something when backing up. A "Bike Rack Mode" setting would be nice.

 

[bnsfengineer]

So far that 's it. I can put a trailer on it, but so far no need for that. The bike rack is used about 4 days of the week.

Then for you its well worth it!!

 

[bnsfengineer]

I think I'm going to get the mini bomber seasucker for my road bikes. Granted one bike does fit in the back but only with the seats down.

Mini Bomber Bicycle Rack - 2 Bikes

Wow! Looks cool but what if that sucker falls off on the freeway!!

 

[SureValla]

Wow! Looks cool but what if that sucker falls off on the freeway!!

I'm feeling pretty good it won't. Watch these for more

and this article: http://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/bike-locks-racks-storage/mini-bomber-2-bike-rack

The SeaSucker Mini Bomber bike rack journeyed with us over 1,900 miles across un-restricted autobahns of Germany...The unit can cater for bikes up to 45 lbs (20kg) each, and weighs 12lbs (5.4kg) itself...The suckers are rated to 210lb pull-strength – meaning they’d require a pretty incredible amount of force if they were to ever be removed without intention. Indeed, we’d hazard a guess that less force would be required to snap the forks in two.

 

[bnsfengineer]

I'm feeling pretty good it won't. Watch these for more

and this article: http://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/bike-locks-racks-storage/mini-bomber-2-bike-rack

That Sucker Sucks!!! But how the heck do you get the thing from stop Sucking!!