Weight Rating for the XTC4 Wheel Mount Bike Rack on a 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Question:

Hello, I am interested in a 4-bike rack for our 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with a dealer installed 2 tow kit. What are the towing limits? Is the overhang of the Swagman too much of a load for this vehicle setup? Are there any issues with any components possibly hitting the car? Would you have other recommendations? We are seeking to load 4 adult bikes and 1 medium youth bike. Ideally we would need a fifth space for our little one but for now we will store the bike on the roof cargo. Thank you.

asked by: Alex P

Expert Reply:

The Swagman XTC4 Folding Wheel Mount Hitch Bike Rack, item # S64665, is a great choice for carrying 4 bikes behind your vehicle. The bike rack can handle 4 bikes that are 35 pounds or less. You will need to check the tongue weight of your vehicle and the hitch on your vehicle to determine if the weight of the rack and the bikes on it is within the tongue weight rating of the lowest rated item.

The wheel mount bike racks are my favorite choice because the bikes load easily and the frame hooks secure the bikes so that they do not hit the vehicle or each other and the wheels are held so that they are not spinning as you go down the highway.

Other recommendations I would like to point out are the Swagman DLX Bike Adapter Bar, item # 64005, for carrying women and alternative framed bikes and, the Locking Anti-Rattle, Threaded Hitch Pin for Swagman 2 inch Hitch Racks, item # S64027, for securing the bike rack to the vehicle.

A cable lock, like item # e98891, is a good idea for securing the bikes to the rack and the safety chain loops on the hitch.

We have three 5 bike racks available for 2 inch receiver hitches. I have provided a link to those racks below. All of these racks are the hanging style racks and require some work getting all 5 bikes on the racks at the same time. There is usually a combination, bike position and orientation, that will allow 5 bikes to be carried together.