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Discussion Starter · #1 · (Edited)
Ordered a Torklift Eco Hitch:
http://shop.tlcentral.com/store/pc/...25-Stealth-ECO-Series-Trailer-Hitch-p1068.htm

Had the great folks over at Stingray Chevrolet do the install for me (took them no time at all)

Installed a Thule 917XTR T2:
http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-Racks/Thule/TH917XTR.html

Anyway since there are hardly any pictures of Volts with bike racks I figured I would post on the rack I got.

Enjoy!








The rack fits excellent, and it can be folded up when not in use. I just put this setup together today and have not got a chance to use it yet. I will post some more pics tomorrow. As you can see there is PLENTY of clearance so it is highly unlikely that one would scrape using this combo. :cool:

NEW PICS:

























UPDATE!

I apparently had the scoops for the wheels on backwards. No big deal, but a small modification is required. Without modification the scoop will hit the rear bumper when folded up. Only one scoop needs trimming.

Pics of the modification of the scoops.





The passenger side scoop DOES NOT need to be trimmed.


UPDATE ON MILEAGE:

Getting roughly 3.5 miles per kWh

I went all highway yesterday at 65 MPH with the bike rack folded up, and achieved exactly 40 miles on a single charge.

I went all highway today at 65 MPH with 2 bikes on the rack, and got 35 miles on a single charge.

So, in the end, this hitch is by far the way to go if you are planning on hauling bikes, while the roof rack is by far the "coolest" way to haul them around IMO, my method appears to be more efficient which in the end is what really matters.


 

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Discussion Starter · #3 ·
It looks great. Doesn't seem to have a clearance problem to me either.

But can you explain to me your rationale to go with this hitch over the Invisi hitch that Torklift also offers? It's only $25 difference, so your decision can't be all about the price difference, no?

And I wonder if you'd mind sharing what the installation cost is from Stingray, so I get an idea?
I went with this style hitch, due to overall height. If the rack was mounted behind the tag, my bike would catch all sorts of wind, thus dropping the mileage, also I did not want to have a hole behind my tag. I paid for about a 45 minutes of service time. Since the rear bumper does not have to come off it saves a lot of cost as well.
 

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Discussion Starter · #12 ·
New pics added to first post.
 

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Discussion Starter · #13 ·
I am also interested in this. Can you guys give me advice on whether to go with 2" or 1.25"?
1.25 is the way to go, you should be able to get an adapter if you need a 2 on a diff vehicle.
 

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Discussion Starter · #14 ·
Your front splitter (plastic above the front air dam) would impact the driveway before the rack would ever scrape.

The OP is definitely not going to have a problem with as high as that rack sits. My rack sits much lower and I haven't had a problem yet.
Went up some pretty steep places today, and ZERO issues with dragging. PERFECT setup IMO.
 

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Discussion Starter · #17 ·
UPDATE!

I apparently had the scoops for the wheels on backwards. No big deal, but a small modification is required. Without modification the scoop will hit the rear bumper when folded up. Only one scoop needs trimming.

Pics of the modification of the scoops.




The passenger side scoop DOES NOT need to be trimmed.
 

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Discussion Starter · #18 ·
Mike McG, nice setup there and great pictures too. I am considering a hitch for bike use as well on mine. I have one picture request if possible and that is can you take one in the side view lower with rear tire/fascia/bike rack in view (like only a few inches off the ground) so I can tell what the clearance and angles might be for the bike rack installed relative to the ground? I appreciate that the hitch has cleared ramp angles I just was curious as to how the rack might affect the approach angles as well.
I will get you those pics ASAP.

As for range, I really have not noticed anything negative. I was able to get 46 miles out of EV mode yesterday, however on the highway the seem to have a little more drag. I did re position the bikes to where they are centered more, and I will be going for another drive today to see the difference. I will update the results when I finish. Thanks!
 

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Discussion Starter · #19 ·
Pics as requested.


 

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Discussion Starter · #22 ·
Update on mileage.

Getting roughly 3.5 miles per kWh

I went all highway yesterday at 65 MPH with the bike rack folded up, and achieved exactly 40 miles on a single charge.

I went all highway today at 65 MPH with 2 bikes on the rack, and got 35 miles on a single charge.

So, in the end, this hitch is by far the way to go if you are planning on hauling bikes, while the roof rack is by far the "coolest" way to haul them around IMO, my method appears to be more efficient which in the end is what really matters.
 
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