Recommended Hitch-Mounted Bike Carrier For 5 Bikes

Question:

I need a bike rack to fit 2 adult and 3 kids bikes. I was looking at the Yakima Full Tilt 5. Then a friend said I should just get a cargo carrier to hold them. I kind of like that idea but wanted to find out if there was a safe way to secure the bikes to the carrier or if any brands made an accessory for bikes to be carried by a cargo carrier? Or do you recommend sticking with a traditional bike rack?

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

Trying to use a cargo carrier that can fit 5 bikes would require a very large carrier and I am not aware of any that have the feature to allow you to secure them without running the risk of damaging the bikes in the carrier. For that reason I would use a bike carrier that is designed to carry bikes.

The Thule Apex XT, part # TH9026XT, is a 5-bike carrier that may work well for you. This carrier has locks that secure the bikes to the rack and the rack to the vehicle as well.

I recommend using an adapter bar like part # 64005. This attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem and allows the bike to be carried more level in the carrier while providing additional ground clearance. I have attached a product review video for this adapter bar.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L