How to Install a Hitch on a Minivan for a Bike Rack

Adding a trailer hitch mount to a minivan greatly improves its usefulness.

Installing a hitch on your minivan to accommodate a bicycle rack is quite possibly one of the easiest and most useful modifications you can perform at home. Trailer hitches are readily available in many stores to suit most minivan applications, and install quickly and easily with just a few bolts using common hand tools. Owing to the low ground clearance on most minivans, it may be helpful to support the van on jack stands while installing the trailer hitch.

Things You'll Need

• Automotive jack
• Jack stands
• Wrenches
• 3/8-inch socket set

Instructions

Install the Hitch Mount

1. Engage the minivan's parking brake, then jack up the rear end and secure the axle with jack stands.

2. Place the trailer hitch in position between the rear frame rails, lining up the access holes on the frame with the pre-drilled holes in the trailer hitch.

3. Insert the bolts through the frame rails and securely tighten them down with the wrenches. Before installing the bike rack, ensure that the end of the trailer hitch mount is even with or near to the trailing end of the minivan's rear bumper. This will prevent damage to the bumper when installing the bicycle rack.

4. Test-fit the bicycle rack into the trailer hitch and secure it with a locking hitch pin. Check to be certain that the bicycle rack does not make contact with the rear bumper or the rear hatch of the minivan. If they do, adjustment may be necessary to the bicycle rack or the trailer hitch.

5. Remove the jack stands and lower the minivan to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Obtain the help of an assistant for this process, as some minivan trailer hitches can weigh up to 75 pounds.

References

• "The Complete Trailer Handbook;" Richard Newton; 2008