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May I ask how much you paid to have a hitch installed at U Haul? I've been eyeing this Thule rack ever since Regina hauled our MTBs a few weeks ago, but I'm having trouble justifying the cost of installing a hitch on an 8 year old car. Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by sundial
sundial - I LOVE IT!!! I first took it on a test drive last Friday. I walked back into the dealership & without saying a word, the owner looked at me & said, "I know - you're in love." :D :D And I was....and am.Quote:
Originally Posted by sundial
So far I haven't had to put gas in it - BIG plus 'cause I would have had to fill my truck tank by now. SO and I went on the group ride yesterday & hadn't had time to figure out how we wanted to put the bikes in, so I flipped up one of the seats & both bikes slid in just perfect! (Have I said I love it? :) )
IFJane, I hang both seats up and put both bikes in and turn both wheels in so that it doesn't roll. We have a cyclist friend that joins us for rides and we bought the 4 bike rack so that we can haul other bicycles around to the destinations.
The E is really cyclist friendly. :D
Divingbiker, I paid $259.42 for a Class II hitch and it comes with a lifetime warranty. Also, should you trade your vehicle in, U Haul will mount the hitch free of charge. Installing just the hitch does not take long, but if you have it wired for a trailer, it will take them about 3 1/2 hours or so. :eek: Usually it takes 45--90 minutes to install the hitch.Quote:
Originally Posted by divingbiker
I have found that it is really handy to have this hitch and we put one on every vehicle except for the sedans.
The Honda dealer actually encouraged me to get a U Haul hitch over the Honda hitch because U Haul had a better design. :p
I really like the Thule rack and it's so much easier to load the bikes this way.
Hmmm...I might have to do this. Thanks for the info!Quote:
Originally Posted by sundial
Once you have a hitch, you'll wonder why you didn't have one earlier. :)
Installing the Honda hitch requires removing the rear seats! :eek::eek:
I usually use etrailer.com and my hubby puts them on--then I don't have to pay for installation. :) As long as there is no drilling involved, he doesn't mind doing it.
Karen
I don't think U Haul had to work around the seats to mount the hitch--unless you need it wired for the harness (lights for trailer).
I went to Handa Accessories and printed out the step by step guide to installing a trailer hitch just in case the mechanic didn't know where the prewired stuff was.
www.handa-accessories.com
Yeah, it's the hitch made by Honda that requires removal of the rear seats. The ones I've looked on etrailer don't.
It's something I should take care of soon.
Karen
I think airbags aren't an option for the CRV because they come standard with the vehicle. I have an 04 CRV and it has front & side air bags. And he is paid off in less than a year (YIPEE). The bikes fit well in it, too.Quote:
Originally Posted by jeannierides
Isn't there a difference between the side airbags and the side curtain airbags that are standard on the Element? Maybe I'm just confused.:rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by TexanCzexican
Ok, my bad. I just checked and the new CRV does come standard with the side curtain airbags.:o
No comment! :D :eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by jeannierides
Jeannie - just go out and buy and Element - you won't be disappointed. And your as-yet-unnamed pink & green bike will love it, too. :)
While we're on Elements...another question.
Do any of you feel that the limited clearance keeps you from roads you would otherwise like to travel...like you might if you had a higher-clearance truck?
Anyone out there go from camping and tame off-roading in a pickup with canopy, to the Element? Comments?
I think I really want an Element for all that if offers...hauling the bike in the back, sleeping inside with access to ignition, etc, and better security.
But, I worry a little about wanting to go on roads that are a little more rutted or rough...not wild...just tame off-roading toward better a little more remote campsites, etc.
I took mine on the Buffalo National River on the gravel bank (deep, always shifting, hard to walk on gravel). The AWD kicked in nicely and did its job.
I even pulled my husband's F150 out of the gravel. I told him not to drive down there without 4WD!
Overall I'm very pleased with its performance, and I wouldn't hesitate to drive down almost any road. But, do understand that I live in a place where I have a choice whether to drive down a road or not. I don't have to worry about deep snow ruts or anything like that.
Karen
HaHa Jane!! That really is the plan, but I have to wait til I'm back at work. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by IFjane