Nice! I'm interested in doing a rear bike-rack like that for my mtb's as well. I do have structural concerns, though:
1. A local trailer hitch retailer mentioned that rear bike racks actually impose more stress on the rear of the car through it's moment-arm than a trailer. This is because trailers have wheels that take some of the load off the hitch. Can any of you advise if you have seen evidence of damage or stress on the mounting points or car body due to this hitch?
2. The e-Trailer site says
"All non-trailer loads - bike racks, cargo carriers and so forth - should be supported with stabilizing straps. Failure to properly support these loads will void your hitch warranty from Curt." (
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...eid=2009300528)
Do any of you use these straps? I can't find them on the etrailer site and am wondering how they fix to the rear of the car. If I have to use straps against the bodywork, it would negate the reason I'd install a hitch like this and would likely lean towards something like the Saris racks (
http://www.saris.com/bike-racks/vehi...unk-racks.html)...