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How to Buy a Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack

How to · Auto

How to Buy a Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack

Spread the cost of your summer gear into small monthly payments using an intro interest window.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $850 before anything else
Across the 0% window $47.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $850 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Owning a car is a constant drain on the wallet. Between the monthly payment, insurance, and the price of gas, adding a $850 utility upgrade feels like a heavy lift. We find the best time to buy is early spring. Retailers drop prices on bundles to get ahead of the summer travel crowd, and you can usually find a better deal on labor before the shops get busy.

Negotiate the installation price first, then look at how to pay for the parts. You can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) to cover the hardware. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you turn a big upfront cost into manageable monthly chunks.

This 0% period is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance after those 18 months, interest will be charged on the remaining amount at the standard rate. Pay the full balance before the window closes to keep the deal cheap.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop the spring promos

    Retailers bundle hitches and racks in March and April to clear inventory. You can usually save about 15% by buying them together. Avoid shopping in June when everyone else is scrambling for gear.

  2. 02

    Check your tongue weight

    This is the amount of weight your car's hitch can support. Heavy racks and multiple bikes add up fast. Make sure your car's frame is rated for the load before you buy the hardware.

  3. 03

    Split the payments

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) to cover the $850 bundle. With 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening, you can pay $47.22 a month. This keeps your cash ready for gas and park fees.

  4. 04

    Source the installation locally

    Big box stores often overcharge for labor. Call a local mechanic or a dedicated hitch shop for a flat rate. If you are handy, you might save $150 doing it yourself, but hitches are heavy and awkward to bolt on alone.

  5. 05

    Lock your gear

    A heavy-duty rack is a target for thieves. Spend a few extra dollars on a locking hitch pin and integrated cable locks. It is a small price to pay to make sure your bikes stay on the car during overnight stops.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Can I install a hitch myself?

Yes, if you have the right tools and a second set of hands. Most hitches bolt to the frame, though some require trimming the bumper. If you aren't comfortable working under a car, pay a pro to do it.

Will a hitch rack affect my gas mileage?

It will. Adding weight and changing the aerodynamics of your car usually drops your MPG slightly. It is the trade-off for bringing your bikes along.

Does the 0% interest apply to everything?

It applies to purchases made within the specified window. Just remember that missing a payment can sometimes void these promotional deals, so keep up with the monthly minimums.

What if I change my car later?

Most hitches are specific to the make and model of the car. You can usually move the rack to a new vehicle, but you will likely need to buy and install a new hitch for the new car.