R92max

iTrader: (1)

Is there a lot of variation with 1.25" hitches for the Maxima? We've got a Rigid brand hitch, and it really seems like the way it's set up it makes an attached bike rack stick out too far and drag often. Both a Saris and Thule rack seem to stick way out and drag going into parking lots, etc.

Anyone else have those issues? I read a few posts where people were using a Hidden Hitch branded hitch, but I'm not sure if these are set further under the car or if it would help. I thought maybe I could just drill another hole through the hitch for the cross pin further back, so the rack would be more flush, but it seems the hitch receiver tapers further back, not allowing the rack to go in any further.

drummertom

I just installed a Reese brand 1.25" hitch to the back of my 2003 Maxima SE. I have had it on there for about a month and have had no instances of scraping, low clearance, etc. The installed Reese hitch hangs about the same clearance as my stock tailpipe and muffler and doesn't stick out the back at all. I have a relatively steep driveway and have not had the hitch scrape at all.

I purchased mine at Pep Boys, and from what I can tell the Reese hitch is exactly the same hitch as the least expensive hitch sold by JC Whitney online sold under a different brand. On my car, you can barely see that there is a hitch there since it is so small and sits back under the bumper - no big bar across the back or anything.

I have only driven around with the bike rack in the hitch a little but had no clearance problems with it. The only complaint I had was that the installation directions were wrong in that you can't physically get the nuts in the bumper like they said. Fortunately, they provided different nuts that had 8-10" attachments that enables a different kind of installation - you have to drill a 1" hole between the bolt holes in the bumper, but that was pretty straightforward.

R92max

iTrader: (1)

I'll have to look into that brand. The hitch that's on there now is pretty much right under the bumper, but when you put on a rack it really sticks out and doesn't have much clearance. Scrapes quite frequently.

What type of bike rack did you go with?