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I really like the EcoHitch and how sturdy is it, but the installation is extremely expensive since it requires removal of the rear lights, bumper, etc.
There are alternative travel hitches with 1.25 inch receivers from Curt and Draw-Tite which are much easier to install, although they appear to be less sturdy.
How good are these hitches with a 1.25" to 2" receiver adapter? Does the adapter extend any hitch bike rack further away from the car's rear?
For me, full installation of the hitch is necessary since I don't have access to any proper area to work on my car and I am not mechanically capable.
So recommendations of places in Washington state to install trailer hitches is also appreciated. Thanks.
PS. I have reviewed previous towing messages in this forum, but these are mostly outdated and for do-it-yourselfers.
Last edited by alicia454; Feb 22, 2022 at 05:00 AM.
My Draw-Tite hitch is plenty sturdy for what I need. It's usually used for my Swagman bike carrier (in pic)
Sometimes I use it for a wooden utility trailer and up to a ton of sand/black dirt/or whatever.
The installation was super easy. I did it myself in less than an hour. Four mounting bolts...that's it.
Etrailer is a good website to purchase this kind of stuff. linkThe Eco hitch has the highest tongue weight rating at 300lbs, but the others hold 200, and that should be plenty for bicycles. If price of installation is too high for the eco hitch, the other hitches should be pretty reasonable to install as they don't require parts removal to my knowledge. @steve37 is real happy with his set-up.
Etrailer provides a search for local installers. I'm a diy-er so I don't know how fair anyones prices are. Seems like they'll ship stuff to whoever they list and you'd work out a deal with that location vs. the part supplier. When you select a specific hitch you'll see this option
Also, I think any adapter will push the bike rack or whatever you hitch up further away from your car by nature of design. You should be able to shop for one with good reviews that sticks out less than others though.
I have a Curt hitch with 1 1/4 inch receiver. I haven't needed a 2 inch receiver for my uses. Regardless, if you plan to have any substantial amount of tongue weight from a trailer or cantilevered cargo basket, I'd recommend also looking into having air helper springs installed. They help stiffen up the rear suspension and keep the back of the car from squatting down.
My Air Lift 1000 helper springs cost around $90 (I installed them myself). Model 60904 fits the Fit. Here's a picture:
