How to Transport 2 Bikes with 2016 Toyota Yaris

Question:

have a Toyota Yaris 2016 , wanted a bike rack ,do I need to buy a trailer hitch as well as a swagman bike rack for 2 bikes

asked by: Patricia G

Expert Reply:

There are a few options for transporting bikes with your 2016 Toyota Yaris.

The first option, which would not require a trailer hitch or any additional hardware other than the rack itself, is a trunk-mount bike rack. I recommend looking at the Thule Passage 2 # TH910XT. This rack is confirmed to fit the trunk of your Yaris Hatchback and can hold up to 2 bikes at 35 pounds each. This rack features 6 attachment straps for a secure installation on your vehicle and dual support arms that will provide a stable ride for your bikes. I recommend adding the Thule Passive Security Strap # TH533 to deter theft of your bikes.

Also, if you plan on carrying any woman's, child's or alternative frame bikes, you may need an adapter bar like the Kuat # UB01. This will fit between the seat post and handle bar stem post of the bike to provide a horizontal attachment point for level transport. I have attached a video demonstration so you can see exactly how it works and why it might be needed.

If instead, you would like a hitch-mounted bike rack, you will first need to install a trailer hitch on your Toyota Yaris. I recommend the Curt Receiver Hitch # C11480 along with the support strap # 18050. This is custom fit for your vehicle and will provide a 200-pound tongue weight capacity. The benefits of installing a trailer hitch for your bike rack is that it will give you a wider array of bike rack options as well as additional hitch-mounted accessories to choose from such as cargo carriers. I have attached the installation details for you to check out.

Then when choosing a hitch-mounted bike rack, we just need to make sure that it is compatible with a Class I trailer hitch. I recommend looking at the Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Platform Rack # S64683. This rack is Class I compatible and can carry up to 2 bikes at 45 pounds each. This will secure your bikes by the wheels and frame and the platform-style will provide a very simple and easy loading and unloading process. Another great feature of this rack is its ability to be tilted away from your vehicle with the bikes still loaded for easy rear cargo access. The rack includes built-in locks to secure both the bikes to the carrier and the carrier to the trailer hitch.

I have attached a video review of this rack for you to look at as well as a couple of links that will take you to our Class I hitch-mounted bike racks and trunk-mounted racks that are confirmed to fit your vehicle.