From what I can tell, yes. The platform weighs like 38 lbs vs 12 for the normal one. I wonder if people just overtightened the strap cranks. Can anyone who has this rack comment?

 

I just purchased and installed a 1-1/4" hitch to which I attached a Thule 2-bike platform carrier:


The hitch is very subtle and secure. I'm extremely happy with this choice and surprisingly so is my girlfriend.

My first choice was a roof mounted rack but after speaking with a few people that have had it, they claimed a loss of 2-3 mpg, without the bikes on. Plus I don't care for the idea of lifting my bikes on top of the car. Then there's washing the car which I imagine would be troublesome with the rack in the way.

Only two drawbacks with the hitch mounted rack: my car is lowered so I need to be careful about driveways and also with the bikes on the rack, the rear view camera is almost worthless.

 

Which brand of hitch did you install? Would you share a pic of it on the car, with and without the Thule attached?

 

Here's the link for the hitch:

http://www.autoanything.com/towing/77A3372A3735091.aspx


I don't have any photos available right now but I will take some the next chance I get and post them.

 

i have the photos to post now but i haven't done it in a long time. can someone let me know what's the best way to post pictures?

 

okay - here goes. hopefully the photos show up alright.

 

You could always put clear bra/vinyl in the area where the contact points of rack would be.

 

Yes, you could do that but to me putting the rack on with all the straps and loading bikes is usually a long and tedious task. Yes, the set up I have is costly compared to a trunk mount but it's a lot more convenient to me. Plus if I drive somewhere with my bikes and stop for any reason, I'm always afraid someone can easily remove the bikes off my trunk mount rack whereas the Thule Doubletrack has locks and is quite secure.

 

cnugs127 - that hidden hitch with Thule rack is the way to go if you bike often plus it gives the option to tow a utility trailer. Very practical and no damage to the car finish.
It would be nicer if the Hidden Hitch were a bit more 'hidden'. Can it be set in/recessed a little more under the bumper when installed?

 

Unfortunately it can't because it actually attaches to the bumper reinforcement behind the bumper cover. I think someone mentioned it earlier but you will need to cut a notch out of the bottom of the bumper to accomodate the hitch. No big deal IMO.

 

sorry to bring back an old thread. I am currently in the market though. My brother has a 09 civic and used a trunk mounted bike rack. We carried race bikes on the carrier for about 400 miles and it bent the trunk hinges. His trunk now sits about 3/4 inches back and water leaks into his trunk. Ill probably go with a curt hitch and some hitch mount carrier.

 

Can't speak for the G, but...

Tell your brother he can bend, uhmm . . . excuse me . . . "reform" those wimply little toothpick Honda Civic trunk hinges. My daughter has a Civic and I've had to do it to hers numerous times as a result of her overstuffing the trunk and then flexing the lid until it catches (and thereby bending the hinges). It takes like 30 seconds too manhandle it back into a perfect fit.