3-Bike Rack Recommendations for Mountain Bikes Carried on 2001 Acura MDX
Question:
Ive got three mt bikes to haul. Whitch item do you recommend? No hitch.
asked by: Ace
Expert Reply:
We do offer 3-bike trunk-mount racks that will fit on your 2001 Acura MDX and these can be seen by clicking on the link provided. The best of the bunch is the Thule OutWay 3, part # TH56BV, which includes locks for the rack itself and for your 3 bikes, and which mounts using 4 vinyl-coated steel cables (instead of a half-dozen straps). A lower cost option is the Thule Gateway XT # TH78VR which is a more basic rack that does not include locks.
The trouble with trunk-mount racks is that they place the entire weight burden of the rack itself and your loaded bikes on the car's sheet metal. This part of the car is not really designed to handle what could easily be over 100-lbs total weight so the best option for the long-term is to install a 2-inch Class III hitch like # 75599 and to install a hitch-mount rack. This places the weight load on the car's frame, its strongest part.
For a value-priced 3-bike hanging rack I like the Swagman Original # S64152-2. I own this rack and while it does not have a lot of fancy features included it is solidly built and has held up well for us. You can add you own locks since they are not included. If you prefer a platform style rack the Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Platform Rack # KU24FR will be a good option.
I linked two articles that will help you select a rack that fits your car and bikes.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike Lock
- 3 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Cable Locks and Hitch Lock for Kuat Transfer 3 Bike Rack
- Bike Locks
- Cable Locks
- Keyed Unique
- Steel
- Black
- Kuat
more information >
Swagman Original RV Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Hitches
- RV and Camper Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- RV Hitch Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 3 Bikes
- Road Bikes
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Motorhome
- Travel Trailer
- Fifth Wheel
- Flat-Towed Vehicle
- Swagman
more information >
Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 3 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 2 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Thule Gateway Pro 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 3 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
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