# 1
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
Ordered online, it shipped the same day. Received it 3 days later. There is a little assembly, but, pretty simple. It took me less than 15 minutes to install and no tools were needed. It is adjustable to be used on many different auto types, but, the instructions were very clear about how to adjust it to fit my 2011 Ford Edge. I have used it twice so far to transport my bike. There are a couple of items that are inherent in the design, not a flaw, but, you need to be aware of them. First, you can't use rear window wipers. Second, the back-up alarm goes nuts because it registers a bike less than 6 inches behind you (I tolerate it for the few seconds it takes to back out of my driveway or out of a parking lot). Third, there is a little flexibility, it is held on with straps and clamps, not bolts, so, it bounces a little when you go over bumps or make sharp turns, however, it holds the bike fast to the frame and stays on the car. I use mine to transport my bike on short trips around town to bike trails. On a long trip I would suggest checking that the straps remain tight from time to time during the drive.
Positive: The product is well thought out and works for a wide range of automotive vehicles. It comes with interesting dampers that i think work. Instructions seem to be translated from another language, but are quite good, accompanying pictures make installation straightforward. A test drive over speed bumps shows that the rack will support the bike for all travel needs. It can be disassembled , collapsed and stored in the trunk. Downside: The rack is made for the classic triangular shaped frame: horizontal cross bar, "male" bike. For bikes without the horizontal bar, mounting is a little less satisfactory. Such a bike can only be mounted on the outside mounts. Cannot use the damper on one side. Picture shows the mounting. as to a design solution, maybe brackets could be replaced with smaller profile, some adjustability? however, as it is, vibration control is good and adjustability with smaller profile would have vibration concerns.
# 2
Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
First-time rack buyer / owner / installer. The rack arrived in a timely fashion, maybe a day or 2 ahead of schedule. It was well packaged. I’m LOVING this bike rack. It was easy to put together and to mount on my new Honda Passport. Thus far, no squeaks in my 2” receiver. Hardest part of initial set-up is figuring out the best way to position two bikes. Trial & error and some patience. The directions weren’t clear as to where the 2 left-over screws went. I found the answer in another review and have posted a pic in case others have the same problem (photo with pen pointing at screw). These screws go in the underneath side of both of the folding arms. They appear to keep the wheel wells from sliding off in case in you drive with an empty, un-folded rack, and forgot to tighten down the wheel wells. The folding arm push / pull pins can be difficult at times. I coated the tips with some lube. That and a little jiggling seems to solve that issue. I guess it’s better for the pins to be snug vs popping right out. I added a small Master lock to the hitch pin (in lieu of the provided cotter pin) as a theft deterrent. I read that a 3/16 shackle lock will fit into the bike clamp down arms to also act as a deterrent. I had an old 3/16 lock that did snugly fit and appeared to be locked. HOWEVER, I yanked on the lock and it came open as there isn’t quite enough clearance for the shackle to lock. I discovered that longer 3/16 shackle locks are hard to find. Have attached a photo of the lock that actually fits and works (Ace Hardware). One lock on the upper clamp down arm will secure both arms as the lower arm can’t be removed without removing the upper arm. The clamp down arms appear to be coated to prevent damage to your bike. I’ve tried a simple rag and ultimately settled on pool noodle pieces as a precautionary measure. I CAN NOT open my tailgate (regardless of whether or not the rack is fold up and in the bike carry position). If that’s a concern for you, then spring for the more costly titling version. My back-up camera still functions.
The Swagman XTC-2 platform bike carrier arrived very quickly from etrailer and in good shape, the actual carrier box is inside another shipper box, which I'm sure helped with its condition. Assembly was relatively quick and painless, even though the instructions could be a little more thorough. Installing the carrier on the back of our Jeep Patriot also was quick, it helps to have an extra ratchet & 3/4" socket laying around for just this purpose. Installing the bikes takes a little patience and trial and error the first time you try and put them on the carrier. It's easy enough to adjust the wheel holders to fit the wheelbase of your bikes, but for us at least, the challenge was trying to swing the vertical support bar up into position after putting on the first bike (closest to the Jeep). We couldn't angle the bike enough toward the Jeep to have the bar clear the bike. We learned that the easiest way to secure the first bike was to remove the ratcheting frame hooks altogether, put the bike in the carrier, swing up the vertical support bar, put in the pin, and then slide one of the frame hooks down on the bar. The outside bike is much easier because you can set the bike in the carrier at whatever angle you need, not being limited by the back of the vehicle. One thing we did to protect the bike frames was to use some foam pipe insulation as cushion between the frame hook and the frame (see pictures). Once you get a system for installing the bikes, it is very quick to load/unload them. The rack seems to be well made and doesn't wiggle excessively when traveling. All in all a good product for a good price, would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a platform bike carrier.
# 3
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
Super sturdy and easy to use/install. Love the bolt hitch attachment, keeps the rack from swaying/wobbling. Attachment points are very solid and the anti swing clips keep your bikes from smashing into each other and the rack during fast starts and stops. I use for all types of bikes, road, mountain, cruiser, children's, etc.
The good: I like the way the bikes are held in and the ability to add the upright adapters to the bike frame holders. The straps are quality too. For a jeep with a spare tire, this is the perfect length to clear it. This rack is 5 stars from the bike holders to the base of it. The bad: the 2"receiver adapter and bolt are insufficient. I wish they made this in a solid 2" hitch. The entire setup is held into the receiver by a very short bolt. It only goes about half way into the receiver tube. So your hitch is only "secured" on one side. A hitch pin or bolt should go through the receiver tube completely imo so it can be secured on the other end with a retaining clip or nut. Because this only goes in the one side, the entire weight of the rack plus bikes are held tight to one side of the receiver by the undersized bolt and washer. A few bumps down the road and that bolt loosens. Now instead of distibuting the weight of the rack and bikes on the receiver and post, it's completely up to the bolt to keep you from losing the rack. The bolt threads get damaged too. I took this down a dirt road and nearly lost everything. I had to buy my own bolt with hd fender washers and lock washers to correct this. Thule should've provided this from the start. The current short bolt design where only one side of the receiver secures the rack is unacceptable. This rack is 1 star at best for the connection to the receiver.
# 4
Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
Rack going strong. No hay problema. Cannot leave rack on my SUV because i get stopped and ask where I by this item here in Puerto Rico. I say not here, go to etrailer. They do not believe price including shipping. They buy here in PR and they say it's like paying for a month's worth of a new car monthly payment. My Daughter brought one here do not know brand and ask for mine and she starting talking chinese to me because I did not tell her that I brought from your store. I told her you bought your before I bought mine. I win battle. She surrender. Gracias/Thank You etrailer. Will see you soon...
My hitch mounted bike platform is just what I needed! The video was extremely helpful in understanding and using the various configurations.
# 5
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
I have a Dirty Sixer 36" wheel bike and my wife has an electric bike. This rack handles them both very easy. This is one of the only bikes racks the 36er will fit on. We are extremely happy with the purchase and will more than likely be purchasing another one in the near future. Assembly was very easy!!
This bike rack works great for our 2 Lectric 2.0 e-bikes. We mount it on our 2019 Honda Ridgeline. It folds up nicely when it’s on the truck and we are using our bikes. The locking mechanisms work well also. I contacted support for a smaller hook arm to clamp B over the bike frame. They knew exactly what I needed and shipped it - no problem.
Thule Vertex 4 Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
Today on our 2004 Buick Rendezvous, we'll be test fitting the Thule Vertex 4 Bike Carrier, part number TH9029. Now with the 2-inch adapter already installed on our shank, we'll slide the shank into the hitch, line up the hitch pin hole, and install and tighten down the anti-rattle bolt. This will secure the bike rack to the vehicle. We'll now go ahead and give you a few measurements. Our ground clearance here at the bike rack measures 11 inches and from the closest point of the bike rack to the back of the vehicle here at the lower hitch switch measures 2-1/2 inches. We'll now go ahead and pull the hitch switch here at the bottom of the mast which will allow us to tilt the mast down.
Thule Hitching Post Pro Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
Today on our 2004 Buick Rendezvous, we'll be test fitting the Thule Hitching Post Pro Folding and Tilting 4 Bike Rack with Anti-Sway Cradles fitting both 1-1/4 and 2-inch hitches, part number TH934XTR. Now to begin, our 2-inch adapter has already been installed on our shank so we'll slide the bike rack shank into the hitch, line up the hitch pin hole, and install and tighten down our anti-rattle bolt. With the bolt tight, our bike rack is secured to the vehicle. We'll now go ahead and give you a few measurements. Our ground clearance here at the bike rack measures 10-1/2 inches and from the closest point of the bike rack to the back of the vehicle here at the safety loop security point is 4-1/2 inches. We'll now pull the pin here at the bottom of the mast which will allow us to tilt the mast down out of the way.
Thule Apex 4 Swing Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
Today on our 2004 Buick Rendezvous, we'll be test fitting the Thule Apex Swing 4 Bike Carrier, part number TH9027. Now to begin our test fit, we'll slide the bike rack shank into the hitch. Line up the hitch pin hole and allow the integrated locking hitch pin to fall into place here in the hitch pin hole. We can then move to the anti-rattle knob where we'll tighten it down, securing the bike rack to the vehicle. At this point, we'll give you a few measurements. Our ground clearance here at the bike rack is 11 inches and from the closest point of the bike rack here at the anti-rattle knob to the back of the vehicle measures 1-1/2 inches.
Swagman Titan Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
Today on our 2004 Buick Rendezvous, we'll be test fitting the Swagman Titan 4 Bike Carrier, part number S63410. Now with the 2-inch adapter already installed on our bike rack shank, we'll slide the shank into the hitch, line up the hitch pin hole, and install and tighten down our anti-rattle bolt. With the bolt tight, our bike rack is secured to the vehicle. We'll now go ahead and give you a few measurements. Our ground clearance here at the back of the bike rack measures 13-3/4 inches and from the closest point of the bike rack here at the mast to the back of the vehicle measures 6-3/4 inches. We'll now pull the switch here at the bottom of the mast which will allow us to tilt the mast down and open our cargo door.
SportRack EZ Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
Today on our 2004 Buick Rendezvous, we'll be test fitting the SportRack Escape 2 Bike Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier for both 1-1/4 and 2-inch hitches, part number A30901. Now using the included 2-inch adapter, we'll slide our bike rack shank into the hitch, line up the hitch pin hole, and install and tighten down our anti-rattle bolt. With the bolt tight, our bike rack is secured to the vehicle. We'll now go ahead and give you a few measurements. Our ground clearance here at the back of the bike rack is 14-3/4 inches and from the closest point of the bike rack to the back of the vehicle here at the wheel loop is 6 inches. We'll next go ahead and unfold the bike rack platform, and open our cargo door.
SportRack Escape 3 Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
Today on our 2004 Buick Rendezvous, we'll be test fitting the SportRack Escape 3 Bike Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier for both 1-1/4 and 2-inch hitches, part number A30403. Now to begin our test fit using the included 2-inch adapter, we'll slide the bike rack shank into the hitch, line up the hitch pin hole, and install and tighten down our anti-rattle bolt. Now that our bolt is tight, our bike rack is secured to the vehicle. We'll now go ahead and give you a few measurements. Our ground clearance here at the back of the bike rack is 10-1/2 inches and from the closest point of the bike rack to the back of the vehicle here at the mast is 6-1/2 inches. We'll next pull the pin here at the bottom of the mast which will allow us to tilt the mast down.
Softride Dura Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2004 Buick Rendezvous
Today on our 2004 Buick Rendezvous, we'll be test fitting the Softride Dura Parallelogram, part number SR26247, fitting both 1-1/4 and 2-inch hitches. Now with our 2-inch shank already installed, we'll go ahead and slide the shank of the bike rack into the hitch. Line up the hitch pin hole and install and tighten down our anti-rattle bolt. With the bolt tight, our bike rack is secured to the vehicle. We can now go ahead and give you a few measurements. Our ground clearance here at the back of the bike rack is 10-1/4 inches and from the closest point of the bike rack to the back of the vehicle is 3-1/2 inches.
What our customers are saying:
"Sent out an e-mail to you earlier this week asking which hitch woudld be the best choice for installing on a 2000 Venture van for hauling a bike rack with two bikes. You suggested the one that would be easiest to install..received in a matter of days..installation went great ..very well thought out instructions. Everything went smooothly and the hitch is up nice and snug..doesn't stick out..looks great."