Recently sold my Tundra for the T4R. Occasionally I need to carry 3 bikes. I have a 2 bike hitch rack. With the truck I’d just throw the 3rd bike in the bed.

I bought a Yakima front loader bike rack for the roof. Figured that would work for the times I need to transport 3 bikes (mountain bikes- 27-32 pounds)

What a pain in the butt it is to try to get them up there! Used a step stool but man it isn’t easy. Was afraid I was going to drop the bike onto the T4R and scratch up the paint! Also Can’t open the rear hatch cause the rack is too long and hangs over. It may work if I adjust the crossbars all try way forward. But it was such a pain I’m just returning it!

Looking for other solutions. One for the roof where you take the front wheel off maybe? Not sure if that would make it much easier or not. Otherwise guess I’ll have to get a 4 bike hitch mount. But those hang WAY off the back of the truck. Maybe a vertical hitch rack.

How are you guys transporting 3+ bikes?

Thanks




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NV 2.0 Add-on | Kuat Racks | Bike Racks

My wife has the Serpa rack. Unfortunately can’t add onto that one.


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For roof use I have a pair of Thule fork mounts (I think in another post I accidentally said they were Yakima Blockheads, but they are not), one for each bike. They are 'U' bolted to a Yak basket and work just fine.

I bet you could run the front cargo bar on the OEM rack all the way forward and just bolt the fork mount right to that bar, then tie down the rear wheel with a ski strap.

For installing the bike I just open the back door, stand on the sill, and lift the bike up with one hand. It's fairly easy and I've never touched the bike against the truck. If you have a second person it's super simple since they can hand the bike up to you.

I ride a lot and have an older model Thule T2 for two bikes that has a 2 bike extension. It sticks waaaaay out the back when I have the 2 bike extension on. It is extremely well built and has lasted for years - though I very rarely use the extension. You might look into a Thule and sell the rack you have. I have also seen the Thule on Craigslist a few times. Thule's are very expensive these days (like everything else). I too have had a roof rack and you are right, it is a pain to get the bikes up there and...it wont fit in the garage (please don't ask me how I know!!)

One tip forroof racks. Put the garage door opener in your seat pack or someplace like that so you don't destroy it on the garage. Unfortunately the rider who told me that method destroyed the bike on a low tree limb getting to the garage

Thanks for the tips! Perhaps it will be easier without the front wheel. Definitely lighter.

I was using a step stool few feet away from the truck so I could have the bike in front of me. Guess I need to try a different method.


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Oh that garage story I bet is horrifying! That stuff definitely scares me.

My current rack is a Yakima and I can buy a +2 extension. But it’s ridiculous long. Even comes with a flag to attach lol. Was looking for other options. But yeah I could do that I guess.


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I have an older Thule 4 Bike swing arm hitch mount rack and from this pic it looks like it sticks back pretty far but it's not that bad.
4 bikes is a super tight fit, but it works and we've been pleased. The swing arm moves the bikes out of the way while mounted so the rear hatch can be accessed.

Thanks! That doesn’t stick out that bad. I need a rack that holds bikes by the wheels not hangs from the Frames. Due to the suspension on the bikes it’s nearly impossible to hang from the frame.

Nice truck! Love the wheels and tires. What size tires are you running?


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Thule t2 from CL.

I would honestly sell it and get a 1up or some other hitch rack that can carry 3.

Yeah that’s what I’m thinking. Forgot about 1up. Will check that out. Thanks


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I often have to carry 3-4 bikes for the kids and wife. I bought a $15 fork mount from amazon and mounted it to my LFD bars. I use a Velcro strap on the back wheel. Very sturdy and cheap solution for the times I need it. I agree it’s tough getting it up there, but I often have a friend to help hand it up or down.


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Thanks!
285/70/17
This pic is when I had 2" Icon Springs in the Rear with Bilstein 5100s
Fronts are Fox 2.5s remote resi DSC with Icon Delta Joint UCAs.

Redoing the rear this weekend to Fox 2.0 Performance series and 3" springs to match the front.