We have a 2016 AWD RDX with Tech Pkg and a dealer installed hitch. What we didnt figure out was that the 2'' hitch is probably better for a bike rack that could hold 4 bikes. While most of the time we will only have 2 there are times where friends might join or my son might join so being able to carry 3 bikes is needed.

We went to RacknRoad and they said that given our situation we could go with a Thule or a Yakima that would hold 4 bikes but my wife likes the Kuat with the bike holding feature. If we went with the Kuat we would have to remove the current 1 1/4 inch hitch and put in a new 2 inch hitch. I have to admit it would have been useful for me in the past when i went cycling.

RacknRoad said that there is no market for used hitches even if it was never used. My wife is wondering if that is true or not? We were thinking of putting it on Ebay for cheap. Does anyone out there have any opinions?

 

I put a 2" hidden hitch on my 08 RDX just for my 4 bike carrier. The hitch was so hidden, the bike carrier was almost rubbing against the bumper. I added a hitch extender to move the bike carrier a little further away from the bumper. I don't see why something similar couldn't work for you instead of replacing the hitch.

You can add a 1 1/4" to 2" adapter for about $25-$35 on Amazon. You will also need a hitch stabilizer to keep it from rocking. I use the StowAway Hitch Tightener for another $19.

1 1/4"to 2":

Amazon.com: 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Extension Adapter with Anti-Tilt Bolt: Rage Powersports: Automotive

Amazon.com: 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Extension Adapter with Anti-Tilt Bolt: Rage Powersports: Automotive

Hitch tightnener:

Amazon.com: StowAway Hitch Tightener: Automotive

Amazon.com: StowAway Hitch Tightener: Automotive

 

Agreed on first trying the converter/extender to see if it works. Even with the hitch tightener it still might flex, but that's sort of up to your decision of what "too much flex" might be But in terms of the market for a used hitch, if you have all the hardware and it's an OEM hitch that's almost new, then I'm certain that you'll find someone on CL or eBay that would be interested, if the price was low enough under the "new" cost to make them jump to used. I sold a Honda Pilot OEM hitch that way years ago after the lease was up.

andy

 

Hi Andy,
Thank you for your response. Given that we would want to put 3-4 bikes on the RDX but 2 for now I am a bit worried about movement and vibration with the adapter. We are still thinking about it but given that your experience with the eBay was good that might be what we should do. Then we dont have to worry about the weight of the bicycles so much. Our hitch is new and if the hardware is removed we should be good to go. Thank you for your response. By the way what has been your experience on how to price a used new hitch? 50% off a comparable hitch?

 

"i" before "e", except after "c".

 

I get zero movement with the stowaway hitch tightener along with the 7" receiver extension and Softride Access Dura 4 bike rack. I even use the same hitch tightener on my StowAway Max swing out cargo box with zero movement.

The good thing about Amazon is you can purchase, try for under 30-days, and send it back with 100% refund minus shipping if you don't like that option.

 

Yea - I'd concur with giving the extension and tightener a try first - much cheaper option. If you do decide to go a 2" receiver, I'd suggest the Curt hitch - that's what I have on my '15 RDX and it installed in 20 minutes and has been great in terms of function as well as the way it fits under the car - very subtle.

In terms of how much to ask for a used hitch, I'd start at maybe 2/3 the cost and see how it moves. Since it's new and likely rust-free, you should be able to get decent cash. Issue will be shipping if the buyer isn't local to you - it' costs a ton of cash to ship these - plus you need a box (which you may not have from the OEM hitch install).

andy

 

Interesting to find someone else with a StowAway carrier - you don't see too many around! I've got a StowAway2 standard sized box carrier with the swing-away mount from the 2001 timeframe that is great to use. Got it largely to be able to park in garages on a road trip we took with our '01 Tahoe years ago, and it worked great. Use it about every other year, and it's been on cars as big as the Tahoe and as small as my Ford Freestyle, and while it is a bit heavy even empty, the hitch tightener keeps it snug without sway and it's very useful.

andy

 

I got the StowAway for the same reason, parking garage height. My Yakima rocket box with too tall sometimes and my 4'11" couldn't access the roof box at all (plus the mpg hit and head/cross wind shaking sometimes). Just don't like it blocks the backup lights and camera at night.

I still use the roof box for longer items like beach chairs, beach umbrella, or cross country skis.