Finally, A Real Bike Rack!

TexaSky · 10-10-2007, 01:02 AM

OK, so shoe-horning my bike into the passenger's seat was getting really old! So since they now make a real trailer hitch/receptacle, I installed one and found an inexpensive bike rack with a long enough extension to clear the Sky's rear bumper.

The hitch was $155 (@ eTrailer.com) and the rack was $89 (@ Performancebike.com).

Here are some pix...yes I'm sick, I had to get tires to match the car...but at least I know I'm sick!

**reedred** · 10-10-2007, 01:39 AM

Very nice! Any problems installing the Curt hitch? I thought the reverse light was expected to be an issue. Also, did you need to buy an extension to attach the rack?

**reedred** · 10-10-2007, 01:45 AM

One more question: How much clearance is there with the trunk fully open?

stromo · 10-10-2007, 07:53 AM

can you post the etrailer.com part number?

thanks.

**SKYMAN-CT** · 10-10-2007, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stromo

can you post the etrailer.com part number?

thanks.

I would assume it's this one listed for the Solstice as our chassis is the same, correct TexaSky?

P/N = 11119, However it says it won't fit the GXP so I'm thinking the Redline might be out also?

Spfld-IL-SKY · 10-10-2007, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexaSky

OK, so shoe-horning my bike into the passenger's seat was getting really old! So since they now make a real trailer hitch/receptacle, I installed one and found an inexpensive bike rack with a long enough extension to clear the Sky's rear bumper.

The hitch was $155 (@ eTrailer.com) and the rack was $89 (@ Performancebike.com).

Here are some pix...yes I'm sick, I had to get tires to match the car...but at least I know I'm sick!

Did you have to modify the solstice hitch at all or did it fit properly? I've been contemplating purchasing it to install for a bike rack as well.

Thank you for any information you can provide in this regard.

Spfld-il-sky

cwhitesky · 10-10-2007, 03:12 PM

Awesome someone tell us, does it fit for Sky like it does for Sol?

boom · 10-10-2007, 06:00 PM

looks like it obstructs the rear license plate.

**reedred** · 10-10-2007, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boom

looks like it obstructs the rear license plate.

I'd bet I'm not the only one with a spare plate lying around...

TexaSky · 10-10-2007, 10:37 PM

The hitch fits the base Sky WITHOUT modification! It's an easy install, took about 20 minutes. One guy with a Sol GXP says he got it to fit around the dual exhaust with a minor bracket cut to narrow the landing of the bracket on the left side. I would assume that the Sky Redline would need the same mod.

The only trick is finding a bike rack that extends aft far enough before turning vertical for the rack. The one I found that provides about a quarter inch of clearance to the reverse light is called: XPORT Free Loader 3-Bike Universal Hitch Rack. I got it a PerformanceBike.com.

As far as clearance between the bike and the trunklid when open, if you make sure your handlebars are lined up as if riding straight, the lid clears my bike just fine.

SkyMan is right about the part number: 11119

TexaSky · 10-10-2007, 11:05 PM

Here are some pix showing how it bolts to the frame from up under the Sky.
The first picture is looking in from just over the exhaust pipe.
The second shows the hitch bracket on the left side. This is the one that probably interferes with the dual exhaust cars.
The third picture shows the bracket from the right side, and I've circled the place where the single exhaust rattles up against the hitch when it is still cold. Once it heats up, there is no more rattle. I will be adding a small heat resistant pad to eliminate the tiny short lived rattle.

TexaSky · 10-11-2007, 12:09 AM

This picture shows the clearance between the bike and the trunk lid. Notice the bike is on the closest mounting point to the trunk too! No problem, tons of room.

**reedred** · 10-11-2007, 01:02 AM

Thanks for the additional pics! I'm thinking about doing this, but I'm somewhat worried about my spoiler being a problem. Would you think there's enough clearance for me not to need to worry about it? And one more question: how wide are your handle bars?

Spfld-IL-SKY · 10-11-2007, 10:47 AM

I've been in contact with etrailer but they wouldn't confirm whether the solstice hitch would work or not. I was just about to buy one anyway since they have an excellent return policy.

Thanks for the information, that's what great about this forum. Good people helping others.

redline sky king · 10-19-2007, 10:11 AM

Did you find out if that Stostice hitch would work on your Sky? Does anyone know if it will work on a 2008 Sky Redline?
Midnight Blue Sky Redline
Black leather
Monsoon sound
18" Chrome Wheels

JRinKY · 10-20-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

redline sky king : Did you find out if that Stostice hitch would work on your Sky? Does anyone know if it will work on a 2008 Sky Redline?

Quote:

SKYMAN-CT : I would assume it's this one listed for the Solstice as our chassis is the same, correct TexaSky?

P/N = 11119, However it says it won't fit the GXP so I'm thinking the Redline might be out also?

Quote:

TexaSky : The hitch fits the base Sky WITHOUT modification! It's an easy install, took about 20 minutes. One guy with a Sol GXP says he got it to fit around the dual exhaust with a minor bracket cut to narrow the landing of the bracket on the left side. I would assume that the Sky Redline would need the same mod.

SkyMan is right about the part number: 11119

The exhaust for the GXP is the same as for the RL, except for the tips.

The rear valence is the same for the RL as it is for the 2.4 Sky.

No reason to think it won't work, with the bracket trimming mentioned for the GXP.

bntn · 10-21-2007, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redline sky king

Did you find out if that Stostice hitch would work on your Sky? Does anyone know if it will work on a 2008 Sky Redline?
Midnight Blue Sky Redline
Black leather
Monsoon sound
18" Chrome Wheels

I have a 2008 RL and i put the same hitch on mine with a bike rack attachment too. Did have to do minor adjument to the hitch for it to fit properly.

redline sky king · 10-21-2007, 09:57 AM

Thanks to all for the information on the hitch. I will be getting one of those hitches soon. I find it ironic that my dealer and salesperson said absolutly no trailer pulling with the Sky. Go figure.
Redline sky king

JRinKY · 10-22-2007, 11:14 AM

Quote:

redline sky king : Thanks to all for the information on the hitch. I will be getting one of those hitches soon. I find it ironic that my dealer and salesperson said absolutly no trailer pulling with the Sky. Go figure.

You will find, if you read it, that your owner's manual says the same thing. The overly paranoid might be concerned that the presence of a trailer hitch might be blamed by the dealer for some mechanical malady or other.

Blue Sky Redline · 10-22-2007, 12:30 PM

One of these trailer hitch receptacles can also solve the no room in the truck problem by allowing one of those trailer hitch platforms to be used.

10-10-2007, 01:02 AM	#1 (permalink)
TexaSky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ft. Worth, Texas Posts: 87 My Photos: (0)	Finally, A Real Bike Rack! OK, so shoe-horning my bike into the passenger's seat was getting really old! So since they now make a real trailer hitch/receptacle, I installed one and found an inexpensive bike rack with a long enough extension to clear the Sky's rear bumper. The hitch was $155 (@ eTrailer.com) and the rack was $89 (@ Performancebike.com). Here are some pix...yes I'm sick, I had to get tires to match the car...but at least I know I'm sick! Attached Thumbnails __________________ TexaSky Yellow 5Spd Polished Wheels KappaSphere SkyShield Kappasphere CAI Invisible Bra on Lights Stubby "B" Antenna Yellow Shifter Housing

10-10-2007, 07:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
stromo Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ellicott City, Maryland Posts: 76 My Photos: (0)	can you post the etrailer.com part number? thanks. __________________ 2007 RL Graphite / Black leather / magnaflow 3" quad

10-10-2007, 03:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
cwhitesky Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: LA (Lower Alabama) Posts: 55 My Photos: (0)	Awesome someone tell us, does it fit for Sky like it does for Sol? __________________ CWhiteSky 07 Polar White SKY w/ Tan Top ~ Black & Tan Interior / Auto / LSD / Monsoon Audio / 6 disc CD with MP3 & XM / OnStar / Decklid Spoiler / Windscreen / Opal GT Antenna

10-10-2007, 10:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
TexaSky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ft. Worth, Texas Posts: 87 My Photos: (0)	The hitch fits the base Sky WITHOUT modification! It's an easy install, took about 20 minutes. One guy with a Sol GXP says he got it to fit around the dual exhaust with a minor bracket cut to narrow the landing of the bracket on the left side. I would assume that the Sky Redline would need the same mod. The only trick is finding a bike rack that extends aft far enough before turning vertical for the rack. The one I found that provides about a quarter inch of clearance to the reverse light is called: XPORT Free Loader 3-Bike Universal Hitch Rack. I got it a PerformanceBike.com. As far as clearance between the bike and the trunklid when open, if you make sure your handlebars are lined up as if riding straight, the lid clears my bike just fine. SkyMan is right about the part number: 11119 __________________ TexaSky Yellow 5Spd Polished Wheels KappaSphere SkyShield Kappasphere CAI Invisible Bra on Lights Stubby "B" Antenna Yellow Shifter Housing Last edited by TexaSky : 10-10-2007 at 10:40 PM.

10-10-2007, 11:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
TexaSky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ft. Worth, Texas Posts: 87 My Photos: (0)	Here are some pix showing how it bolts to the frame from up under the Sky. The first picture is looking in from just over the exhaust pipe. The second shows the hitch bracket on the left side. This is the one that probably interferes with the dual exhaust cars. The third picture shows the bracket from the right side, and I've circled the place where the single exhaust rattles up against the hitch when it is still cold. Once it heats up, there is no more rattle. I will be adding a small heat resistant pad to eliminate the tiny short lived rattle. Attached Thumbnails __________________ TexaSky Yellow 5Spd Polished Wheels KappaSphere SkyShield Kappasphere CAI Invisible Bra on Lights Stubby "B" Antenna Yellow Shifter Housing

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10-10-2007, 06:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
boom Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 19 My Photos: (0)	looks like it obstructs the rear license plate.

10-11-2007, 12:09 AM	#12 (permalink)
TexaSky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ft. Worth, Texas Posts: 87 My Photos: (0)	This picture shows the clearance between the bike and the trunk lid. Notice the bike is on the closest mounting point to the trunk too! No problem, tons of room. Attached Thumbnails __________________ TexaSky Yellow 5Spd Polished Wheels KappaSphere SkyShield Kappasphere CAI Invisible Bra on Lights Stubby "B" Antenna Yellow Shifter Housing

10-11-2007, 10:47 AM	#14 (permalink)
Spfld-IL-SKY Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Springfield, Illinois Posts: 239 My Photos: (0)	Thanks for the info I've been in contact with etrailer but they wouldn't confirm whether the solstice hitch would work or not. I was just about to buy one anyway since they have an excellent return policy. Thanks for the information, that's what great about this forum. Good people helping others.

10-19-2007, 10:11 AM	#15 (permalink)
redline sky king Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 25 My Photos: (0)	Did you find out if that Stostice hitch would work on your Sky? Does anyone know if it will work on a 2008 Sky Redline? Midnight Blue Sky Redline Black leather Monsoon sound 18" Chrome Wheels

10-21-2007, 09:57 AM	#18 (permalink)
redline sky king Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 25 My Photos: (0)	Thanks to all for the information on the hitch. I will be getting one of those hitches soon. I find it ironic that my dealer and salesperson said absolutly no trailer pulling with the Sky. Go figure. Redline sky king

10-22-2007, 12:30 PM	#20 (permalink)
Blue Sky Redline Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Elvisland Posts: 268 My Photos: (0)	One of these trailer hitch receptacles can also solve the no room in the truck problem by allowing one of those trailer hitch platforms to be used. __________________ '08 Midnight Blue Redline Auto No mods Loaded, 6 cd monsoon License plate: BLUSKYY Kill List: 525, G35S, Civic rice burner, 350Z, Impala LT, Dodge Charger(non-Hemi) Hyundai Tiburon GT, Neon SRT, Jaguar XJ

10-25-2007, 07:59 PM	#21 (permalink)
cck51 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: New Orleans,La