Recommended Hitch and 4-Bike Hitch Rack for 2016 Lincoln MKX

Question:

I have a 2016 Lincoln MKX, and it doesnt have a trailer hitch. I called and they cant even install a trailer hitch after the fact now. We are a family of 4 going on a biking trip and we need to fit our 4 bikes for a 5 hour drive. I cannot seem to find a single non-hitch bike rack that will fit our vehicle and accommodate 4 bikes. Are we asking the impossible? We just bought the car so Im starting to have serious buyers remorse if we cant do something as simple as bring our bikes on a trip......please help! Thanks!! :

asked by: Heather

Expert Reply:

No worries, we can help you with a hitch and a suitable 4-bike hitch rack for the family trips in your 2016 Lincoln MKX. Since there are no 4-bike trunk racks, this is the way to go.

For a 2-inch Class III hitch for your 2016 Lincoln MKX I recommend the Draw-Tite # 75234. This is a bolt-on item that includes all the hardware required to mount it to the car's frame. Installation will require the installer to grind off a small metal stud on the frame and to temporarily loosen the exhaust and some underbody panels. These steps are not unusual for a hitch install and the entire process is shown in the linked video. Written instructions are linked too.

The bike rack I recommend for you is the Yakima FullSwing 4 Bike Rack # Y02465. It can swing out away from the MKX's rear cargo area, even when loaded with bikes, to give you easy rear-of-vehicle access on your trips. Need to get into the MKX to gather up those bike helmets for your ride? It's easy with the Apex Swing.

For any bikes that don't have a horizontal top frame tube (as found on a typical man's bike) you may need an adapter bar like # UB01. These connect between the seat and handlebar posts to provide a mounting point for such bikes. This keeps the bike level for better ground clearance.

expert reply by: Adam R