Suspension considerations for frequent hitch usage

[ECS_off]

The Koni oranges I've had for the last 70k miles are completely toast, potentially exacerbated by my using a hitch mounted bike rack to carry two mountain bikes all around the PNW. I love being able to have just as much fun driving to trailheads as I do riding trails, but consistently putting so much weight over the rear of the car is something I should probably factor into my next suspension set up. Going into this I just assumed I would throw on some Bilstein B6s and call it a day but they're perpetually backordered. That may be a blessing in disguise, as maybe coilovers would be better suited to my use case?

A few folks, like me, want to keep ride height as close to stock as possible. As I hunt for feedback on the various suspension setups out there I've been bumping old threads, making new ones, and scraping FB and Reddit. But I'm old school, and to me there's nothing better than a nerdy tech discussion on a good ole fashioned owners forum.

So besides simply setting up coilovers to be higher in the rear, should I also be looking at adjustable dampers? Stiffer springs? I haven't seen this particular use case discussed, but hopefully those more knowledgeable than I will chime in with some ideas.

 

[4St4r]

Very interesting topic, that I’d like to learn more about.

I have Bilstein b6’s and installed front 250ft/lbs rear 225ft/lbs springs Ala disclaimer’s instructions. Ride height is definitely taller, which is ideal for my use.
I have a hitch, and use a one up quik rack for 2 bikes. I also am aiming to do as many rally cross events as possible.

I have about 30 minutes of hooning in dirt roads worth of rough road experience, and so far it’s a huuuuge improvement over stock setup with 60k.

 

[ECS_off]

Very interesting topic, that I’d like to learn more about.

I have Bilstein b6’s and installed front 250ft/lbs rear 225ft/lbs springs Ala disclaimer’s instructions. Ride height is definitely taller, which is ideal for my use.
I have a hitch, and use a one up quik rack for 2 bikes. I also am aiming to do as many rally cross events as possible.

I have about 30 minutes of hooning in dirt roads worth of rough road experience, and so far it’s a huuuuge improvement over stock setup with 60k.

We have the same rack set up. I love the 1up rack, even if it's a bit heavier than something like a Kuat Sherpa, the compact design and robustness make up for it.

Where did you source your springs? And I'm curious how much droop you've got in the rear with two bikes loaded up.

 

[4St4r]

Highly suggest checking out Dialcaliper’s posts. The how to on budget stock ride height rally suspension was very informative. I only got the suspension installed in July, so I don’t have a ton of experience. I’ve only had one bike on since then, and it isn’t too heavy to notice any droop.

 

[4St4r]

 

[SteveS]

Koni STR.T shocks do have limited lifetime warranty. Have you looked into that?

 

[ECS_off]

Koni STR.T shocks do have limited lifetime warranty. Have you looked into that?

Yes, briefly. I found myself wanting something a bit more firm not long after installing them, but if I can get a free set to have as backup I might as well.