Bike Rack Hitch Support Strap Mounting Options For A 2015 Nissan Rogue

Question:

I want to get the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2inch - C13204. On the video says it needs Curt Trailer Hitch Support Strap -18050 for a heavy load. My car is Nissan Rogue 2015 and based on the video for the Hitch Support Strap I cant figure out whether I can use this strap for my car. Can you please tell me if I should use this strap, if so, where I am supposed to hook it on the car after securing around the bike rack?

asked by: Ramsey

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Support Strap - Bike Rack Strap With Cambuckle part # 18050 is the recommended support strap for your 2015 Nissan Rogue. Curt recommends the use of a stability strap for all non-towing purposes such as a hitch mount bike or cargo carrier per the warranty. The stabilizer strap was devised as an effective way of minimizing movement and travel of the bike rack while driving in addition to supporting or assisting the weight of a heavier load.

In regards to the installation of the stability strap on your 2015 Nissan Rogue, it can be done in one of two ways. For starters, you will need to arrange the looping end of the strap atop the bike rack while moving it down just past the 90 degree bend in the stand. Once attached to the bike rack, the next step involves anchoring the "J-shaped" clip to either the top of your hatch where the lid meets the back end of the roof or onto the bottom part of your trunk lid where the rear bumper and door meet. Once the stabilizer strap is securely in place, adjust the cam buckle to ensure a snug fit.

The Curt support strap is intended for use with platform and standing style bike racks. If you are in the market for a new bike rack, I would suggest the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack part # Y02458. This rack features ergonomic quick release level that enables you to fold the rack down in order to clear your rear hatch. Furthermore, I would recommend utilizing the Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar part # 64005 for applications with womens and childrens bikes to ensure a level transport.

Please note SUV models with protruding rear spoilers may benefit from a pad or cloth being placed underneath the strap where it lies against the rear spoiler to ensure minimal scratches to your car's paint. Attached are examples of the mounting location for the rear anchor point on similar SUV's in addition to a review of our Curt hitch bike rack stabilizer strap.

expert reply by: Conner L