Best Method of Carrying Bikes on 2016 Toyota Camry

Question:

Looking for the best option for carrying 2 mountain bikes on a 2016 Toyota Camry. Ive read that a hitch mount is better to avoid scratching the trunk. These arent very expensive bikes, so I probably dont need a top of the line model - frankly Im more concerned about the car than the bikes Thank you.

asked by: Anita K

Expert Reply:

Since you expressed concern about scratching the vehicle, I'd recommend going with the hitch mounted bike rack option. Why take the risk of scratching your brand new car? The Draw-Tite Class II hitch, part # 36540 would be your most economical choice. All the hitches for your vehicle are similar in design, they share the same install procedure and are of the same level of quality. You won't sacrifice anything by choosing the least expensive option.

Anytime you have a piece of equipment that's in direct contact with the painted finish of a vehicle like a trunk mounted bike rack would be, the possibility of scratching the vehicle will exist. This risk can be reduced but not eliminated by keeping the surfaces of the vehicle and the rack that touch each other perfectly clean. Be sure to follow the rack installation instructions to the letter. Don't overload the rack, and remove the rack from the vehicle when it's not being used. If you had your heart set on a trunk mount rack, The Thule Gateway Pro, part # TH88VR would be a decent choice. Take a look at its video to see its great features.

For a hitch mounted bike rack, I'd recommend the Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360. The Trailhead is reasonably priced, but provides important features like anti sway cradles that prevent the bikes from swaying back and forth during travel. The rack also uses proper cradles using sturdy rubber straps to secure the bikes to the rack instead of Velcro straps like other racks. The rack includes an anti-rattle hitch bolt but a locking hitch pin/cable lock combo is available as part # S64031.

If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance. I'll link you to a video showing how the adapter bar works.