Recommended Trunk-Mount and Hitch-Mount Bike Racks for 2013 Scion xB  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

We do have many confirmed trunk-mount bike rack fits for your 2013 Scion xB. You can see all recommended 2- and 3-bike trunk carriers by clicking on the link provided. Among the carriers confirmed to fit your car is the Thule Passage 2 that you referenced, part # TH910XT. This lightweight carrier features Thule's patented FitDial adjustment system to ensure a good fit and simple installation on your car.

If you only need to transport 2 bikes of average weight then a trunk mount carrier is a fine option. If you need to transport 3 bikes, or if you happen to have heavy or wide bikes - say a mountain bike or large beach cruiser - then you may want to consider the other option, which is to install a hitch and use a hitch-mount rack for your bikes. This approach will be costlier than a trunk rack but it will give you several advantages.

A hitch on your car means you can also use other accessory items such as a hitch cargo carrier. A hitch also means your car's sheet metal and hatch will not have to bear the weight of the loaded bike rack, which could easily approach 70 to 80-lbs total once loaded with two bikes. A hitch rack also allows you to retain use of your rear wiper, which cannot be operated with a trunk-mount carrier installed. The linked article will give you food for thought on this point.

If you do decide to go with a hitch and hitch rack then you'll have much better bike carrying capacity - up to 5 bikes with a total weight load (including the rack) of 350-lbs. You'll want to install the Curt 1-1/4-inch Class II hitch # C12490 since it has the highest weight capacity of any hitch offered for your xB. This hitch installs without drilling or welding using included fasteners. I have linked an install video and a helpful article with tips for easier hitch installation. Many of our customers do hitch installs themselves since doing so requires only basic tools and a torque wrench like # ALL944001. Note you need to use stabilizing strap # 18050 with any non-trailer load on this hitch in order to retain your hitch warranty.

You can use the link to our Class II hitch bike racks to review carriers that will fit in this hitch. You can use the filters that are on the page to select the carrier style (hanging or platform), bike capacity up to 5 bikes, and features you might like such as included locks. Just click on those filters to see only those carriers with the features you want.

If you need maximum bike capacity then a hanging rack like Thule Apex XT 5 # TH9026XT is an excellent choice. Some bikes, like women's designs that do not have a top frame tube, may require an adapter bar when used on a hanging carrier. We offer lots of such adapter bars, including the cost-effective Kuat Ubar # UB01.

Please feel free to tell me about your bikes - how many, their type, etc - and I'll be glad to work with you to find the best solution that works with your budget and bikes.

expert reply by: Adam R

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