Hitch mounted bike rack...

[1engineer]

Know what the best bike rack is?


Any rack that gets your bike to the trail head...

 

[2016limited]

just got a thule t2 today

 

[singletrackftw]

Do the 1up hitch racks pivot away from the tailgate when a bike it on it?

You can swing down the bikes on any 1up into 2 different positions, right at a mild 45* angle or so, and then even further down almost flat. Even just the 45* angle will allow the 4Runner tailgate to open fully without issue

 

[Teephud]

I cannot recommend this rack enough. ... The ability to have the single rack makes keeping the rack on the truck full time extremely convenient because even in the stowed position, you can open and access the cargo area.

Hey [MENTION=129593]MTN4RNR[/MENTION] - Do you have any pics of your single in the stowed position? Not having to lower the rack and jockey around it to get into the cargo area is the main reason I'm considering a new rack. For the most part, I just need a single, and I use it enough that I keep the rack on most of the time, but it is really annoying every time I want to take the dog with me or load something in the rear to monkey with the rack.

FWIW, I'm currently using a Thule T2, and besides the above comments have been very happy with it for years. And I did do a big road trip this summer with my son where we did a lot of fun 4wd with the bikes on back and had no problems. Other than the rack bottoming out a couple times anyway... Though, the bikes get really dusty. Anyone who really wants to 4wd with bike should consider putting them on the roof. Speaking of which, can the 1up mounts be converted to roof mount? That would be sweet!

 

[MTN4RNR]

Hey [MENTION=129593]MTN4RNR[/MENTION] - Do you have any pics of your single in the stowed position? Not having to lower the rack and jockey around it to get into the cargo area is the main reason I'm considering a new rack. For the most part, I just need a single, and I use it enough that I keep the rack on most of the time, but it is really annoying every time I want to take the dog with me or load something in the rear to monkey with the rack.

Speaking of which, can the 1up mounts be converted to roof mount? That would be sweet!

Here is a photo of mine "stowed". You can still open the hatch without lowering it, however, you will need to step between the rack and the bumper once opened to reach the back of the cargo area, but not a bit deal. As for dog, they can jump you know :bounce:

On the wheeling front... It depends on where you are, and what kind of 4 wheeling you do. If you're rock crawling, a roof rack will help with the departure angle. BUT if you have a bike on the roof, you'll have tree issues. Take your pick. These 1up USA racks are angled up and have a pretty decent departure angle. I will shoot another photo tonight, because it's on the truck at home right now.

 

[Teephud]

Thanks much! If you could shoot one from the side so I can see what you mean about getting around it, that would be great. When it's folded out, how much does it stick out? I assume enough that your bars clear the back of the tailgate well enough. Nice bike btw. We have pretty similar bikes too. I've got a nomad.

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[singletrackftw]

Absolutely definitely positively go with a 1up USA rack. Made in the USA, all metal construction, goes on and off a vehicle in SECONDS. no wiggle or movement. Fits small & regular sized hitches


Instagram @tcr_89 2016 SR5P 4wd 3rd row - FN wheels countersteer X - 265 KO2 - OME 2895E rear coils + Bilstein 5100 (1.75 setting) - NFab side steps - TRS Morimoto 4300k HID - NOKYA yellow fogs & DRLs - AVS hood visor

 

[singletrackftw]

Yeah he 1up rack progressively gets higher up as you add more trays so the departure angle isn't a problem!


Instagram @tcr_89 2016 SR5P 4wd 3rd row - FN wheels countersteer X - 265 KO2 - OME 2895E rear coils + Bilstein 5100 (1.75 setting) - NFab side steps - TRS Morimoto 4300k HID - NOKYA yellow fogs & DRLs - AVS hood visor

 

[-dustin]

I haven't bothered looking at 1-Ups due to how they mount to the receiver. I haven't seen it in person, though, so maybe it's better than it sounds. I read it to be a wedge-type anti-wobble/ securing deal, rather than a pin. That doesn't sound overly convincing to me. My Sportworks rack is going on 11yrs old. A bolt passes through and pulls it to the side of the receiver to keep it from wobbling, as well as secures it into place.

 

[hstexan]

I've got a Kuat NV 2.0 that I absolutely love--has an anti-wobble cam system that tightens it down inside the hitch (and locking hitch pin), tilts away from the hatch to allow it to open even with bikes loaded, has a built in stand to allow for quick on-site repairs or maintenance, and has built in cable locks to secure your bike if you need to run some errands while they're loaded (wouldn't trust them for more than that--same keys that unlock the hitch pin).

 

[MTN4RNR]

I haven't bothered looking at 1-Ups due to how they mount to the receiver. I haven't seen it in person, though, so maybe it's better than it sounds. I read it to be a wedge-type anti-wobble/ securing deal, rather than a pin. That doesn't sound overly convincing to me. My Sportworks rack is going on 11yrs old. A bolt passes through and pulls it to the side of the receiver to keep it from wobbling, as well as secures it into place.

Don't knock it till ya try it :smokin:

 

[Bikemedic]

1-up's rule. I took a hit in the back from a little old lady and the rack took most of the force and only required some minor tweaking to get back in shape...

 

[pcrdude]

I use a Swagman for my 50 lb electric bike, and a standard bike. Works great, and tilts down...

Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Trailer Hitches Swagman Hitch Bike Racks S64670

 

[Xtremluck]

For those of you who mountain bike and off road sometimes on the same weekend trips I've had great success with a Kuat NV + 10" receiver riser for better departure angles. I've done blue rated trails with bikes attached and had no problems.

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[403 BarcaRed]

Just ordered an NSR-4 now that they're back in stock, if you mountain bike that is the rack to have IMO. Any trailhead parking lot in BC/AB is about 50% NSR is seems

 

[Deuskid]

So I needed a bike rack and read through this thread and also:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/64871-roof-rack-hitch-setups-here.html

Trying to determine what would work best for me.

I identified 11 candidates subjectively from all of the discussions. I then went to Amazon and obtained cost, customer rating, % of 5 star ratings. Using that data I identified 5 stronger candidates by developing a ratio of cost to rating and to 5* ratings. I knew I wanted a platform [I had a hanging style on my jeep and didn't like all the swaying that occurred when using it]. A copy of what I did is attached.

I ended up choosing the SportRack SR2901 over a similar rack because it was rated higher even though it cost a bit more.

Want to thank everyone's posts that gave me a starting point, I had no idea how to begin with any rational.

 

[Biker John]

1UP because I can mount he roof trays to the hitch rack by just ordering the bracket for the hitch. I have a two place hitch rack for the Subaru, can expand to 4 if needed. 5 on the trailer. Most versatile racks ever. Fatbike to road bike to 24 inch kids bike. These are the last racks you'll every buy!


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[jmarthsr]

Yeah he 1up rack progressively gets higher up as you add more trays so the departure angle isn't a problem!


Instagram @tcr_89 2016 SR5P 4wd 3rd row - FN wheels countersteer X - 265 KO2 - OME 2895E rear coils + Bilstein 5100 (1.75 setting) - NFab side steps - TRS Morimoto 4300k HID - NOKYA yellow fogs & DRLs - AVS hood visor

I just received mine last week. A 1 with the add on. So far I am impressed, I went back and forth with the Kuat NV 2.0. Buit like a tank. no wobble, got the hitch lock. I will report once I have it longer.

 

[Ski Wagon]

A big thumbs up for North Shore Racks:

 

[headsnap]

I have a Kuat NV 4 Bike, had the thing for 5 years now and it's going strong. 5 years of trips to BMX Nationals, Ray's MTB in Cleveland and trips to Snowshoe WV... I was rear-ended with the rack up two months ago, it did $175 worth of damage to the rack and zero damage to my car, the sentra that hit me couldn't open his passenger door due to the damage. The rack is expensive, but well worth it!

Here it is on my new 4Runner...