I would try to keep that weight down as well. I put two bikes on my rack (around 50-55 lbs), and it can get pretty bouncy. I've checked the bolts after every few trips, and they haven't come loose. I could see a bunch of extra weight on there causing some unintended flexing in the frame or even the front end raising up, which would be very bad on a turn.

Maybe you should look into a front-mounted rack to even things out.

 

Lol you guys are going to have me paranoid about this
eTrailer stated I can carry around 150lbs on my rack, shouldn't be too bad...couple coolers and were good to go!



See this thread for more info: https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...tml#post673228

 

All I can say is take it easy on the bumps

Looks good though. How was the install?

Pic of the rear wheel fender when its loaded with 150lbs too please.

 

I will try to taker er' easy for ya! eTrailer installed my hitch and wiring kit free so they could make a video of my 09 Fit for their website/tutorials. I picked up this 48" 11.5cu ft. weatherproof storage back for back there as well. Might just throw all the sleeping bags and other light/bulky items back there to keep the tongue weight down.

See this thread for more info: https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-generation-ge-08-present/43808-09-fit-camping-edition.html

I will update with pics when fully loaded!

 

Great bag find. If you don't mind, try the bag inside the Fit, too, and let us know how it fits. Might just get one and keep the items you mentioned in the bag all the time in the garage. Then to load up, just throw it in the car or on the rack (if you need the extra space that trip). That would be easier/quicker than having all those items individually on a shelf.

 

Or you can do what I did and buy one of those plastic tubs with the plastic lids and save some major $$$. I bought a red and green one that was on sale at Target right after Christmas for super cheap. Perfect for all the camping gear

Just my 2 cents.

 

That's exactly what I did. I've got a big plastic tub that all of our camping equipment is permanently stored in. I just try to remember to open it up a few days before the trip to let the musty air out. It keeps everything nice and tidy.

 

A number of us have trailer hitches. That said, you are strongly recommended to install airlift shocks on the rear. Consult the suspension and braking posts for DIY and other insights.
Putting loads behind the rear wheels does very squirrelly things to Fit suspension geometry so highway speeds can be very dicey. Antisway bars are not an answer.

 

You totally took my post out of context I think.
At the time I was thinking the trailer hitch bolted to the same locations at the anti sway bars. I was just going off a pic and was corrected by another member. That is in the past...we have moved on from that discussion.

Yes I have read your post over the air shocks. In my opinion for instances like mine (bike rack only) I don't see the need for air shocks for 50lbs of bikes. Yes for Reako situations if he does add 150+lbs to the back of a platform I would definitely recommend looking into air shocks or beefier suspension.

I drove 70-75mph with two bikes on the back on a 30 mph wind gust day a couple weeks back. I had no "squirrelly" instances what so ever. I am lowered so that could have helped. I am lowered and I think this suspension is pretty darn beefy. No problems when ever I load my car up. Smart loading and common sense on what you can and cannot carry in our little big cars is the key for everyone.

 

reako, Thanks for posting the photo with the carrier installed.

Is there a rat in your garage? (J.K.)

I will be interested to hear how it all works out.

 

Great comments guys, keep it up! I took a ton of photos and will update Sunday after the trip. As for now.... I'm out!!!

 

We use tubs sometimes, too. The thing I don't like about 'em is that you're stuck with whatever the tub dimensions are, and if they're not full, there's wasted space that you can't get back. Soft-sided bags can be collapsed or squeezed for more efficient packing. That's usually not a big issue, but I know our week-long Big Bend trips would usually have the Passat Wagon pretty full, so I imagine space will be a premium in the Fit.

 

very nice DIY...

 

Here's the video eTrailer made using my car, got free installation for this :

Trailer Hitch Installation - 2009 Honda Fit - etrailer.com

 

Very nice vid. I wish I could have jacked the car up that high. Made the install seem easy.

 

Thanks for the diy's. Anyone have clearance issues with a T1R Exhaust on the GE8?

 

It should fit as long as the exaust sits up high enough... Here is a another post where we discussed this but with the HKS exhaust. Also with some measurements. Hope this helps...

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...installed.html