Bike rack?

[Type SSSHHH]

Anyone have suggestions for a bike rack that fits and doesn’t suck. And won’t tear my paint or leave crazy marks or any of the sort.

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[JohnV]

Anyone have suggestions for a bike rack that fits and doesn’t suck. And won’t tear my paint or leave crazy marks or any of the sort.

I haven't done it yet, but I'm planning on one that does suck!
With the seasucker bike rack, I can have the front forks on the roof but behind the sunroof, and the back on the rear glass. I'm not thrilled with anything I've seen on adding a trailer hitch.

 

[Triboogs]

https://torkliftcentral.com/2024-acura-integra-trailer-hitch-stainless-steel-by-ecohitchr

 

[Frenzal]

https://torkliftcentral.com/2024-acura-integra-trailer-hitch-stainless-steel-by-ecohitchr

Can you drive the car like that, with the license plate titled and not visible? That would be a problem here...

Otherwise, this is a really nice option! Very tempting... Could probably just screw the plate with only 2 screws (in the two top holes of the plate, screwing them into the two bottom nuts).

 

[Two Step Performance]

Seasucker for sure

 

[edido]

I looked up the installation instructions:
https://torkliftcentral.com/blogs/2...-BTE4orZZlCKWBI3pc9fXwHtayWYv-I7yu1lh1X_AZdU5

Does anyone have thoughts on potential issues with mounting the hitch to a frame? Obviously it's some extra weight.

 

[edido]

I called Torklift Central today, and they told me the following:
- Their engineer said the the current model for Integra, x5004s, won't fit Type S because of exhaust difference. They never tried to install it on ITS.
- They are welcome ITS owner to come to their shop in Kent WA, and their engineers can review and design a solution.

@Triboogs - when you have a moment, please share how you were able to fit it.

 

[Triboogs]

Installing the Torklift hitch

Instructions provided with the hitch worked well with the ITS with a couple of exceptions.

The hitch receiver sits about 1/2 inch lower relative to the license plate than on the standard Integra, so you may want to cut the hole 1/2 inch lower than the instructions. I cut per the instructions (see pic) but it hasn’t been a problem. I ended up cutting out extra because my bike rack has a threaded bolt and lock to attach it to the hitch. I needed room to get my hands in to attach.

The hitch receiver barely clears the license plate holder (pic). So far this hasn’t been a problem.

The bumper is not exactly the same as the standard Integra, so some of the clip locations are different. It was very easy to figure out.

The flip up license plate holder blocks the bottom of the back up camera (see pic). The camera still works fine, you just lose a little visibility at the bottom. I’m not a fan of the fold down plate and plan on coming up with a different solution, hopefully before I get a ticket.

There is a piece styrofoam attached to the rear cross member on the ITS that is not on the standard Integra (see pic). Not sure what it’s for, but I assume to keep the inside of the bumper from contacting the cross member. The cross member is permanently removed. I put the styrofoam on the hitch, but I don’t think it serves any purpose there.

 

[elh0102]

Any bike rack on this car is potentially problematic. I'd just fold down the back seat and put it inside.

 

[edido]

Any bike rack on this car is potentially problematic. I'd just fold down the back seat and put it inside.

Can you elaborate?

Why it’s problematic? The hitch is mounted to the frame. Except for cutting the bumper and few other small issues like camera visibility, what can be problematic?

 

[elh0102]

Can you elaborate?

Why it’s problematic? The hitch is mounted to the frame. Except for cutting the bumper and few other small issues like camera visibility, what can be problematic?

The bike is outside the car, open to all the risks of driver mistakes and third party intentions. Depending on the specific hitch and rack, clearance on approach/departure angle can also be an issue. If the tech is competent, installation itself should not be a problem, as you mention. Otherwise, its just personal preference. I've done it both ways and I prefer the bike inside the car.

 

[JohnV]

My favorite rack was the Thule roof rack on my Saab wagon. But SUVs are too tall and I'm too short to use one on my wife's car. And roof rails don't look right on most cars. It was sweet on the Saab longroof. though.
I've currently got a Kuat hitch rack on my PHEV, and I've never had any issues with the geometry, but my 2 bike rack is not as long as the one pictured. It works really well.

 

[edido]

The bike is outside the car, open to all the risks of driver mistakes and third party intentions. Depending on the specific hitch and rack, clearance on approach/departure angle can also be an issue. If the tech is competent, installation itself should not be a problem, as you mention. Otherwise, its just personal preference. I've done it both ways and I prefer the bike inside the car.

I am using bike racks for a decade on an SUV, and never had any issues with clearance or anything like that. Not every bike fits inside the car, and removing front wheel is a pain.

Anyway, it comes down to a personal preference. My question was more about if there any risk when mounting a hitch to the frame.

 

[elh0102]

I am using bike racks for a decade on an SUV, and never had any issues with clearance or anything like that. Not every bike fits inside the car, and removing front wheel is a pain.

Anyway, it comes down to a personal preference. My question was more about if there any risk when mounting a hitch to the frame.

Yes, clearance shouldn't be an issue on most SUVs. I had a frame hitch on a GTI and removed it after the first day, couldn't get in the driveway without scraping. Regarding your question, if the frame hitch is properly engineered for the specific application, and installed by a competent tech, you should not have issues. The ITS exhaust definitely changes the application fitment considerations, so just be sure they have it figured out.

 

[Triboogs]

There were zero fitment issues. The hitch attaches well above the exhaust. There is no way for the hitch to scrape. I have a steep driveway. I have to take the driveway at an angle to keep from scraping the front of the car and my bike rack still has tons of clearance. The hitch is designed for the standard Integra frame. The frames of the two cars are the same, so if the hitch is properly engineered for the standard Integra frame it should be good.

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