Hitch bike rack - proximity to exhaust?

[mpkav]

I just added a Curt Class 3 hitch to my CX-5, now I am trying to find a solid platform rack for our two bikes. I am noticing in some of the product images of the CX-5 with a bike platform that some of them seem to put the tires at the same elevation as the exhaust. I have read about people melting their tires if they are too close (vertical clearance seems to be more important than horizontal). Does anyone have any first hand experience?

 

[ryan4130]

I am just about to install a curt hitch for the same reason. I think it depends on what bike platform carrier you use. They probably sit at different heights

 

[mpkav]

Thanks for the reply.

I think I am going to study some of the etrailer videos for each rack, they usually have a few good shots where you can see how the exhausts sit relative to the rack.

 

[paris1]

The Swagman XTC-2 discussed in this thread works perfectly and it's reasonably priced!
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123854931-Swagman-XTC-2-bike-rack-168-86-FS

 

[mpkav]

Thanks, I was looking at that earlier. That is actually at the top of my short list, and has a good price at MEC. I also like the look of the new Swagman G10. If I end up buying a locking pin and cable locks for the XTC-2 the price gap closes, and I like how the G10 can tilt down with bikes in place.

 

[ryan4130]

I was liking the swagman XTC-2 until I saw that the max weight limit per bike was 35 pounds (my mountain bike is at or above that). Also I don't like the rubber straps that secure the wheels. I think the ratcheting system that more expensive ones use is better. For the low price though it's good enough for 75% of people

 

[rjdee]

I just added a Curt Class 3 hitch to my CX-5, now I am trying to find a solid platform rack for our two bikes. I am noticing in some of the product images of the CX-5 with a bike platform that some of them seem to put the tires at the same elevation as the exhaust. I have read about people melting their tires if they are too close (vertical clearance seems to be more important than horizontal). Does anyone have any first hand experience?

I haven't had any problems with the various bike mounts I've used. Tray mounts tend to be further away than hanging style bike carriers. Another thing to keep in mind is the CX5 is a relatively low displacement engine and not putting out a high volume of hot exhaust. If it was a big V8 or had a turbo then I think it would be a bigger concern.

 

[holyninja3]

https://www.1upusa.com/bicycleracks.html

Awesome bike racks! You can fold a single one up and you can still open the back.

 

[Av8torjim]

I just picked up a Thule T2 Pro hitch rack. It's 30% higher than the T2 and the one-handed operation is amazing. I took two bikes to a mountain ride and drove several times on hilly, winding gravel roads. The hitch was flawless. It's much higher than the exhaust outlets, so no risk of melting tires or carbon rims. I couldn't find a picture of one mounted to a CX-5, but here's a shot of one installed that shows how high it sits. The bikes are well above the exhaust outlets.

http://www.autoanything.com/bike-racks/thule-t2-hitch-bike-carrier

 

[minnesotaart]

A little hard to tell here, but my Thule T2 rack holds the bike tires well above the exhaust. Folds up nice too.

<a href="http://s13.photobucket.com/user/minnesotaart/media/20140812_132733_zpsdf82ad3a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a296/minnesotaart/20140812_132733_zpsdf82ad3a.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20140812_132733_zpsdf82ad3a.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s13.photobucket.com/user/minnesotaart/media/20140812_132703_zpsf0cc43d5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a296/minnesotaart/20140812_132703_zpsf0cc43d5.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20140812_132703_zpsf0cc43d5.jpg"/></a>

 

[mpkav]

Thanks everyone. I just ordered the new Swagman G10. The features (including tilt with bikes on board) along with all of the included locks put it over the XTC2, even for the additional cost. It should be here in a couple of days, I will post up my opinion later this summer.