Recommendation for Hitches and Bike Racks for a 2011 Infiniti FX35 and 1998 Toyota 4Runner

Question:

I have a Infiniti fx 35 2011 and 1998 toyota forefunner that I want to use a rack on. We do not want a roof rack, and do not have hitches but will plan on getting these. Considering Thule t2 pro, Yakima holdup, or kuat nv or nv2. Primary use for 2 carbon road bikes but would like option to expand to 4 bikes down road as do have 2 young children. Might occasionally put on a mountain bike not fat bike but would be rare. Do wantt one that locks and tilts away for vehicle access. Any recs?? I had heard part of wheel holder would contact infinitis bumper when folded up in 2 reviews but dont see reviews on others. Also not sure if you have hitch recs, I think leaning towards 2inch seems wisest. Would like them hidden if possible..

asked by: Kim N

Helpful Expert Reply:

Between the bike racks that you mentioned, Thule T2 Pro XTR # TH83JV, the Kuat NV 2.0 # NV22G, and the Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack # Y02443, I recommend the Yakima HoldUp rack because it fits you application the best.

The Yakima bike rack can carry a wheel diameter between 14-29 inches. Being able to carry a tire as low as 14 inches will allow to carry the smaller child's bikes. Kuat and Thule have a 20 inch minimum on their wheel diameter. Also, the when folded up the Yakima rack measures 7 inches from the center hole of the hitch to the closest part of the rack. The 7 inch measurement is the same on the Kuat rack, but the Thule rack measures at 5 inches. This might be why you heard that there was an issue of the wheel cradle hitting the bumper on the Infiniti model.

All three bike racks can be expanded to a 4 bike rack. I also like the Yakima HoldUp over the others because how price effective the Yakima rack is over the Thule and Kuat racks when adding # Y02446. The Plus 2 2-Bike Add-On for Yakima HoldUp will allow you to expand to a 4 bike rack and remain a more cost efficient than the other model racks. You can also purchase the HoldUp and Add-On together using part # Y02443-2.

All the bike racks that you mentioned all come with hitch locks and will tilt away from the vehicle with bikes still loaded on the rack.

For your 2011 Infiniti FX35, I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Hitch with a 2 inch opening # 75778. The Draw-Tite hitch is designed to fit up under your bumper and not stick out from the bumper. Also, unlike the Curt hitch for your vehicle, you will not have to use a stabilizing security strap for non-towing applications, such as a bike rack.

The hitch I recommend for the 1998 Toyota 4Runner is the Draw-Tite Hitch # 75091. Again, as with the Curt hitch, this hitch will not need a stabilizing strap and both Draw-Tite hitches are more budget friendly than the Curt hitches.

I have linked videos on the Yakima HoldUp and Add-On racks and a couple help articles on hitch mounted bike racks for you to read.