[saturnxr]

I recently purchased 2 new adult bikes bringing my total bike count to 3 small bikes, 1 medium size bike, and 3 adult size bikes. It is impossible to haul 7 bikes and 7 passengers at the same time. So it is obvious that I will need some kind of hitch mounted thing (Most likely a small trailer). I don't have the factory installed Towing Package I have seen some hitch's online (http://goo.gl/qRKSme) Would it be as simple as installing the hitch and just go? I know that the factory option had an actual button by the seat warmer buttons to activate the Towing Mode. My dashboard does have a light for the Tow mode but is it really necessary? I really wouldn't be asking if I hadn't read this post: http://goo.gl/xQ1E1D. I know I don't have the factory package but it refers to a different fuse box (Thus sparking the the whole question). Also, as of right now is the trailer connection even there (Electrical)? or is that added with the dealership install?

Thanks

 

[tsc1969]

If you are only going to use a hitch mounted bike rack, the hitch is all you need. There is no need for anything else. Tow mode is for towing heavy trailers, it changes shift points on the transmission.
Tim C

 

[saturnxr]

If you are only going to use a hitch mounted bike rack, the hitch is all you need. There is no need for anything else. Tow mode is for towing heavy trailers, it changes shift points on the transmission.
Tim C

Thanks,

If (In theory) I had to move a large item like a piano or 500 tables and chairs and I had to use a trailer would I just have to take the car to the dealership to have the additional components installed? (If I had already attached a hitch) any guesses on how much that might cost?

 

[tsc1969]

You wouldn't need to go to the dealer. All you would need is the electrical connections/plug added to power the lights of the trailer. Im not sure, but there may be a plug and play wiring kit you can add to the vehicle.
Having the factory trailering package does add a higher capacity to the towing capabilities but if you were within the range for without the trailering package you will be fine.
Check here: http://www.etrailer.com/
Tim C

 

[rbarrios]

I dont think theres a hitch carrier for 7 bikes.
I have seen 5.
so you could carry 5 on the hitch- and 2 on the roof. (if you have the crossbars)....

or a small trailer...

or---

a bike rack....
and a hitch rack...

connected using this..
(but youd have to calculate that the weight does not exceed the hitch weight limit which I think is 500 lbs... (not the same as tow limit)

 

[saturnxr]

I dont think theres a hitch carrier for 7 bikes.
I have seen 5.
so you could carry 5 on the hitch- and 2 on the roof. (if you have the crossbars)....

or a small trailer...

or---

a bike rack....
and a hitch rack...

connected using this..
(but youd have to calculate that the weight does not exceed the hitch weight limit which I think is 500 lbs... (not the same as tow limit)

Wow! Thanks, will shop around and do some calculations... I saw via the HTML code that you got the image from harbor freight, could you provide me the link or Model/Product Number? Thanks

 

[rbarrios]

I looked at this part last week at Harbor freight...

http://www.harborfreight.com/dual-hitch-extender-69881.html

 

[saturnxr]

I looked at this part last week at Harbor freight...

http://www.harborfreight.com/dual-hitch-extender-69881.html

Thanks