OEM Bike Rack

[SBD 3]

Anyone have or had an OEM bike rack?

I'm looking on purchasing one, and curious if I need to get it installed at the dealership?

I can't seem to find proper documentation anywhere on what is needed to be done.

I know it utilizes the tow hooks, but also attaches to the frame, which is the unclear part.

Do it yourself? Or leave it to the dealer?

(The dealer wants approx. $250.00 plus tax for installation - worth it?)

 

Thanks!

[Blaine 24]

There's also the Free2Go rack   http://forthesmart.com/

 

I thought the OEM unit was a buy the frame, buy the add-on subrack, pay through the nose....     If its C$250 though, that seems reasonable.

 

 

 

[Willys 747]

Interesting, Hmmm...something else for to make...lol.

Thanks....I think...lol....when summer finally gets here I'll have no time to drive...lol

[SBD 3]

On 2018-03-14 at 3:59 PM, Blaine said:

There's also the Free2Go rack   http://forthesmart.com/

 

I thought the OEM unit was a buy the frame, buy the add-on subrack, pay through the nose....     If its C$250 though, that seems reasonable.

 

 

 

Yeah I seen that one as well.

And your right the OEM rack is the frame, plus the add - on. The $250.00 was JUST the installation, I had found one on Kijij that I was considering for $350.00 (dealer wanted just over a thousand).

 

I ended up ordering a trailer hitch, and I will purchase a hitch bike rack.. At least that way I can remove everything but the hitch in the winter.

[Huronlad 186]

When it gets warmer I am going to see if I can retrofit the 450 bike rack I have to my 451. 

[SBD 3]

This is what I ended up going with - will post more if anyone is interested.

 

Curt Trailer Hitch 11020 for $264.00

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B004IY72U0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Trailer Hitch Installation for $80.00

 

Thule Doubletrack 990XT Double Bike Carrier for $320.00 on sale

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/thule-doubletrack-990xt-2-bike-hitch-platform-bike-carrier-0401159p.html#srp

 

For a total of $850 (ish) I am pretty happy with the results.

 

The hitch does sit an inch or so lower than the car, so need to be mindful of steep slopes or potholes.

I also put the strap in the link below underneath the rear trunk hatch that sticks out an inch or so, for an additional strap to go around the post of the bike carrier for additional support (recommended by Curt).

 

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/hood-trunk-tie-down-0792477p.html#srp

[southerncross1 3]

I am going to get a custom hitch made for my 2017 Smart ED.   It will cost $500 from a place in Burnaby called E&H Hitch.  They do excellent work but it requires that they cut a small hole in the plastic lower bumper.  Then I'd like to try a bike rack similar to the Thule 990XT if it will fit both road and mountain bikes (which I think it does).

[YUGreen 4]

On 3/14/2018 at 2:59 PM, Blaine said:

 

There's also the Free2Go rack   http://forthesmart.com/

 

I actually bought the Free2Go system. I've used it 4 times so far and it works well -- it holds a single bike in place securely. The good thing is you can remove and stow the thing (in a small box that can be kept in the car). The bad is that you pretty much have to remove it every time it is used (at least if you park in non-secure areas). For occasional use, it's still not a bad way to go. I'm looking at replacing some of the straps (or adding quick-release buckles) to speed things up a bit.

[southerncross1 3]

Freego doesn't work for 2017 or newer smart cars.  I have the custom made hitch from E&H hitch in burnaby.  It looks skookum and operates really well.  My care has a picture of the rack on the back.  The hole in the bumper looks like it's done at the factory.