Best Platform Bike Rack Recommendation for Electra Townie Bikes Carried by 2010 Toyota 4Runner

Question:

I am looking for a bike rack for a 1000 mile each way trip all highway, Its for a 2010 4runner, I want a hitch mount. I know Electra Townie, which wont fit on a hanging rack without an added bar, and it also has to fit a trek marlin 6. Which means I am looking for a good platform I am assuming, But I will most likely need something that can hold 4 bikes in the next year or 2. Any advice would help.

asked by: Andrew P

Expert Reply:

The best solution is going to be the T2 Pro XTR part # TH83JV. It's a platform bike rack that will only touch your bikes at the tires and when you are ready you can have the extension piece part # TH9036XT installed on it and it would be converted to a 4 bike rack.

This will basically give you the nicest bike rack setup on the market that I know would be your best option for a 1,000 mile road trip.

I attached a couple review videos for both products for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Sean R.

2/28/2020

Similar situation, and I want the same rack, but can the wheel locks go around the front fender on the Townie?Thanks

Chris R.

2/28/2020

If your Townie has front fenders then a wheel mount carrier like the Thule T2 really isn't the best option. They would indeed prevent wheel hooks from attaching properly. For this type of bike I really like the Saris Freedom 2 # SA4412B or the 4-Bike model # SA4414B, which uses adjustable clamps to grab any accessible portion on the bike's frame. This takes the fenders out of the equation while still accommodating the alternate frame styles on those Townie bikes.

Helpful Links

Hitch-Bike-Racks/Saris/SA4412B.html

Hitch-Bike-Racks/Saris/SA4414B.html