Hitch mounted bike racks
- Thread starter jbmccul
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speeddemon40
New member
I'd do a search on here and sit back and read. There are racks that range from $100 up to +$400 and there are recommendations on here from one extreme to the other. Just depends on what you are looking for and what you want to spend.
speeddemon40
New member
This is the most recent thread on it
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/88430-bike-rack.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/88430-bike-rack.html
Here is a pic of my Kuat NV with both bikes on, it tilts back enough to clear the tailgate even with downhill bars on, and you dont need a center bar for the other type hitches, I like this one the best of all I have owned...as it has a built in service rack, and locking cables..and is mostly aluminum...
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BlackWorksInc
New member
Thule is a good brand...
There are some threads on this...
But fundamentally you have to ask - do you want to hang the bikes or have the bikes on a sort of platform.
Then you have to ask if you want to have the rack swing out in some way to provide access to hatch or not.
Essentially all racks are some variations on these theme's with various brands offering their own take on each.
I just went through this and ended up getting the Thule 916xtr and 918xtr from rack warehouse. Those units together will hold 4 bikes from the hitch in a way where they are supported from underneath and held in by a front wheel rack and back wheel loop. Very securely held and the bikes do not rub while vehicle in motion. I think folks have different experiences but I heard some concerns about the top hanging designs inducing bike frame rubbing and bashing. There are some neat designs in the top frame hanging approach that swing out however, like the Swingdaddy where they swing out for access to the rear hatch. The 916xtr and 918xtr drop down to allow access to the hatch. They also have an integrated lock design for the bikes as well as the rack on the hitch.
I used it this last weekend for a local bike trip and it worked great. Plan a very long driving vacation this summer and have confidence in this setup, at least so far.
But fundamentally you have to ask - do you want to hang the bikes or have the bikes on a sort of platform.
Then you have to ask if you want to have the rack swing out in some way to provide access to hatch or not.
Essentially all racks are some variations on these theme's with various brands offering their own take on each.
I just went through this and ended up getting the Thule 916xtr and 918xtr from rack warehouse. Those units together will hold 4 bikes from the hitch in a way where they are supported from underneath and held in by a front wheel rack and back wheel loop. Very securely held and the bikes do not rub while vehicle in motion. I think folks have different experiences but I heard some concerns about the top hanging designs inducing bike frame rubbing and bashing. There are some neat designs in the top frame hanging approach that swing out however, like the Swingdaddy where they swing out for access to the rear hatch. The 916xtr and 918xtr drop down to allow access to the hatch. They also have an integrated lock design for the bikes as well as the rack on the hitch.
I used it this last weekend for a local bike trip and it worked great. Plan a very long driving vacation this summer and have confidence in this setup, at least so far.
I have a Yakima Doubledown 4 and I like it very much. Got it on sale at REI.
Solid, great quality, doesn't bounce around. 3 bikes is easy, 4 bikes takes some effort. But I think this is the same almost any other rack.
I was riding hardtail then got a full suspension. I needed to get a third bar attachment to be able to continue using this rack.
Also it has bottle openers built on the ends. :reddance:
Solid, great quality, doesn't bounce around. 3 bikes is easy, 4 bikes takes some effort. But I think this is the same almost any other rack.
I was riding hardtail then got a full suspension. I needed to get a third bar attachment to be able to continue using this rack.
Also it has bottle openers built on the ends. :reddance:
MICA4R
New member
yakima double down 4
hands down the best.... i love it see why
http://www.discountramps.com/cargoImages/yakima-double-down-4.jpg
hands down the best.... i love it see why
http://www.discountramps.com/cargoImages/yakima-double-down-4.jpg
jbmccul
New member
This is awesome!
MidwestT4R
Member
The Yakima is awesome! I have it for my 4runner.
SoCalRunner
New member
Yakima
Yakima is a very good and sturdy rack but they are VERY heavy. I had a Yakima 2-bike rack for 3 years but my son started to ride and i upgraded to a Thule helium 3-bike rack. Its aluminum so its very lite. I got the Thule for $299 and i sold my Yakima for $100.
Yakima is a very good and sturdy rack but they are VERY heavy. I had a Yakima 2-bike rack for 3 years but my son started to ride and i upgraded to a Thule helium 3-bike rack. Its aluminum so its very lite. I got the Thule for $299 and i sold my Yakima for $100.
MICA4R
New member
Nice, same one I have. If you come up with a really secure bike lock solution let me knoW! congrats!
jbmccul
New member
Will do, does your rack have a bunch of sway in it? And if so is it anything to worry about?
ryannemeth
New member
I got a swagman 2 bike, works great. here is a link to the 4 bike model.
Amazon.com: Swagman XC-4 Cross-Country 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver Hitch): Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com: Swagman XC-4 Cross-Country 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver Hitch): Sports & Outdoors
