Bike Carrier for a 2014 Toyota Camry XLE

Question:

I want to use a hitch mounted bike rack on a 2014.5 Toyota Camry XLE. From what I see, any hitch available for this vehicle requires drilling the frame/body at the forward part of the receiver hitch. As I will only be using the hitch to mount a rack and carry 1-2 bikes, could I skip the drilling/installation of the forward bolts? I will not be towing anything with this car.

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Part of what gives the hitch its weight capacity ratings is how it is installed on the vehicle. Leaving out some of the attachment points effectively makes the hitch capacity unknown and not safe to use. If you want to use a hitch mount bike rack you will have to do some drilling to install the hitch.

But there is another option. Instead of using a trailer hitch and hitch mount bike rack you could use a trunk mount bike rack. I have included a link to the right to the trunk mount carriers we have that fit your 2014 Toyota Camry. You have many choices that fit.

My favorite is the Thule OutWay # TH45JV for 2 bikes. It is the easiest to attach because it uses only 2 rubber-coated straps compared to 4-6 of other carriers. It also has adjustable arms. I have linked a video review for you.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wife's bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my son's bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H