How to Carry 4 Bikes on a 2017 Mazda 3 Hatchback

Question:

Im looking for a 4 bike rack and hitch for my 2017 mazda 3 hatchback. I think ive narrowed it down to item # 24843 for the hitch and #TH934XTR for the bike rack. Im concerned that since my bumper looks wider/different than earlier mazda models and the license plate is on the hatchback door whether the items will install the same as in previous mazda models. If you could please confirm if the above listed items will work, Im so ready to get my bikes mounted and enjoy the season trails. Thanks in advance.

asked by: Frida O

Expert Reply:

There are a couple of things you should know. The most important is that all of the trailer hitches for the 2017 Mazda 3 hatchback are Class I hitches. This means that the most bikes you can carry on a hitch is 2 even if the bike rack can hold more. It isn't a weight issue but rather how far the weight will be from the receiver if a third or more bikes is added.

In order to carry 4 bikes I recommend a combination of a trunk mount bike rack and a roof rack. Using the Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top rack, # HRF2-3, you will be able to carry 3 bikes and the design of this rack will not put any stress on the spoiler piece at the top of the hatch.

For a roof rack, if the vehicle does NOT have fixed mounting points for a roof rack and does not already have any sort of rack the most cost effective option is from Inno using the following parts:

Square Crossbars # INB137
Foot pack # INSUT
Custom Fit Kit # INK440

If the vehicle does have fixed mounting points then Rhino-Rack has the most cost effective option using the following parts:

Aero bars # RRVA126B-2
Feet # RRRLKVA
Custom DK Fit Kit # DK410

With a roof rack installed you could then mount a bike rack such as the Thule ProRide XT # TH598004. The great thing about this bike rack is that it holds the frame of the bike so you don't have to remove the front wheel to load the bike.