Which Bike Rack Mounting Style is Best for My Vehicle?
To help you choose a bike rack that is compatible with your vehicle and bikes it is important to consider four simple points:
Vehicle Compatibility
Ensure the bike rack will mount securely and safely to your vehicle.
Vehicle features influence compatibility (For example, hitch size, roof-rack crossbar shape, spare tire, or bumper size).
Bike Compatibility
Bike racks vary in their ability to accommodate bikes, specifically with bikes that have alternative frames (For example, women's, children's, tandem and recumbent bikes).
Vehicle Accessibility
Will you need to access the rear cargo area of your vehicle while carrying bikes? Some styles of bike racks can limit accessibility to the rear of your vehicle. Choose a bike rack that offers the optimal level of accessibility for you.
User Compatibility
Choose a bike rack with features that make it convenient and easy for you to handle.
Hitch bike racks keep bikes behind the vehicle, making them the most aerodynamic. Hitch bike racks offer the most protection for the vehicle by carrying bikes out away from the vehicle. They also make loading bikes very easy and can be used on most vehicles with a hitch.
Vehicle compatibility - requires a hitch, may cause issue with vehicles that carry a spare tire mounted on the rear door
Bike compatibility - can accommodate the largest variety of bikes (except tandem bikes)
Vehicle accessibility - swing-away and tilt-down styles allow access to rear cargo area
User compatibility - varies between racks, many are lightweight, have convenient features, easy to store, simple to install and are easy to use
Trunk-mounted-bike racks are great low-cost racks that do not require a hitch or roof rack. They are ideal for short or occasional journeys. The racks sit on the trunk or back door of the vehicle, with bikes close to the vehicle
Vehicle compatibility - fits most cars, vans, sedans, and SUVs (may not be compatible with spoilers)
Bike compatibility - accommodates bikes with larger frames
Vehicle accessibility - Bikes must be removed before accessing rear cargo area
User compatibility - lightweight, easy to handle and store
Spare tire bike racks do not require a hitch and can allow for towing a trailer while carrying bikes. They are also aerodynamic because the bikes are carried behind the vehicle.
Vehicle compatibility - mounts to most spare tires (except those with tires more than 10 inches across the tread)
Bike compatibility - Accommodates a variety of bikes (a bike adapter bar may be necessary for alternative frame bikes)
Vehicle accessibility - Bikes must be removed before accessing rear cargo area (in some cases, the bike rack as well)
User compatibility - after initial, easy install, the bike rack can be attached and detached from the spare tire quickly
Truck-bed bike racks allow for towing while carrying bikes and are convenient for utilizing extra truck bed space
Vehicle compatibility - installs in various ways in truck bed, bed liners and tonneau covers may interfere with some racks depending on how they are installed
Bike compatibility - accommodates most bike styles
Vehicle accessibility - most racks do not limit accessibility to your vehicle
User compatibility - simple installation, most are easy to store and easy to use
Bike rack for motor homes and RVs allow you to utilize features of your motor home to carry bikes (For example, carry bikes on ladder, bumper or hitch).
Vehicle compatibility - compatible with most motor homes and RVs because of the wide range of mounting styles available
Bike compatibility - varies depending on the style of rack selected, most accommodate a variety of styles
@SandraO We only have one bike rack that will carry a trike and it is a roof mounted rack from Sea Sucker.
The part number for it is part # 298-BD1005. I have included the link below.
I’m looking for a hard side container to fit on the trailer hitch on the back of my vehicle Motorhome or Truck
I need it to fit Bikes into it but I want it to be hard side and then closed not open
Bikes are too expensive nowadays to leave them open to the elements
Rocks chips rain thieves
So I would like something close to fits under the trailer hitch which I can put The bike soon
If you could help me that be great can’t leave them out in the open anymore
The solution that you're looking for is the GearSpace 34 Enclosed Cargo Carrier which comes in Dark Gray # HGK819 and Light Gray # HGK826. You will need the 2 Bike Mount Kit # HGK963-2 to be able to transport bikes inside safely and then the Snap-On Lock # ACC3250 to lock the carrier to your transport vehicle. This box is compatible with vehicles and motorhomes so you're good on that front, I do recommend checking out the Landing Gear # H00550 as well because this carrier weighs in at 160 lbs so it can be a bit of a bear to install without the landing gear.
@JonG
Perfect if you could find it for me and send me the price that would be great I’m in Palm Springs California we can have it sent here or I can have it picked up can you send pictures
@RobertS If you check out the hyperlinked parts above it will take you directly to the product page where you can see photos, videos, and the online cart to purchase from. If you'd rather speak with someone directly about purchasing you can reach out to our customer service team at 800-298-1624.
If you have an older bike rack then that might not be good, but newer racks, like the Yakima BackRoad # YA44FR, have cradles shaped to accommodate for the brake lines. You could also switch over to a platform style rack, like the RockyMounts MonoRail # RKY10003, which secures bikes via the front wheel so it fits styles that don't have a front fender.
I have a 2016 Toyota Sienna van. Just had a 2” hitch installed. Will the Swagman 2 bike carrier $389.00 work well with this hitch and van? One of my bikes is a e-bike, Electra Townie Go. Hitch center opening is 5” under rear bumper. Let me know what you think.
The Swagman Current 2 Bike Rack # S64678 will work great on your Sienna for your two bikes. It features a 60 pound (per bike) capacity which should work well for the e-bike. The only thing you MAY need to add is an adapter bar like # 64005 if the hooks don't reach the step-thru frame on that Electra Townie Go.
The Loading Ramp for Swagman Skaha and Escapee Bike Racks #S59SR is only going to work with the Swagman Skaha and Escapee bike racks and will not work with your E-Spec bike rack. Instead, you're going to want to check out the Swagman Ramp and…
There are indeed two 2" trailer hitches available for your 2020 Honda CR-V; the etrailer #e98848 and the Curt #C13397. These Class III hitches are essentially identical in every way except for the finish/powder coat that they use. I personally…
The five basic components required for flat towing are a tow bar, safety cables, wiring or lighting, base plates for the towed vehicle and a supplementary braking system. All of these items are explained in detail in the linked article. Some vehicles…
Your 2013 Subaru Crosstrek XV automatic transmission can be flat towed if you don't have a CVT model which cannot and I'd be happy to help with a complete system for you. For your base plates, I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit -…
I wasn't able to find anything that said the manual transmission model cannot be flat towed. With that being said it's not up to me, it's up to Subaru. And I can't recommend you going against what they're telling you. There very…
I checked the owners manual of your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and it is flat towable as-is which you can confirm if you check out the owners manual as well. You'd need to start with the Blue Ox base plate kit part #BX3622 which is a confirmed fit for…
For a 2 inch trailer hitch receiver, the locking hitch pin I highly recommend the InfiniteRule Hitch Lock for 2" Hitches #34061071-D. The reason I like the #34061071-D is due to its stainless steel construction, which not only ensures it is…
In order to add a roof rack to the Pace Edwards Tonneau Cover with Explorer Series Rails you'll need a fit kit, mounting feet, and crossbars. I have attached these parts for you below. Fit Kit part #THKIT3101 Mounting Feet part #TH460R Corssbars…
Nice bikes! For an bike rack for your 2015 Ford F-150 that will carry your 2 Pedego Stretch E-bikes, I recommend the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider 2-Electric Bike Rack, Item #HLY84FR. This rack is designed to work with E-bikes like yours and has an…
The Kuat NV 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack, #NV12G, has a weight capacity of 60 lbs per bike, leaving room to spare when hauling your Ebike and road bike, and I would recommend it for your 2017 Subaru Impreza. You do have other options, including the Thule…
The Thule Hitching Post Pro bike carrier #TH934XTR is approximately 34 inches tall. Any bike carrier used on a front mount receiver has the potential to block the view of the driver some, restrict air flow to the engine, and could block the front…
I have the perfect solution for you. Check out the Pro Series Anti-Rattle Device for 2" x 2" Trailer Hitch Receivers #PS63091. This device inserts between the receiver and your bike rack, then tightens down with included bolt and jam nut.…
Sandra O.
10/23/2021
Is there a bike rack for a Schwinn Meridian adult tricycle? We have a 2021 Prius 4D Hatchback. Thanks.