Rockymounts Split Rail 4 or Kuat Base 2.0 with 2 Bike Add On Comparison  

I am trying to decide between the Rockymounts SplitRail 4 and the Kuart NV 2.0 Base with 2 bike add-on. I will be hauling variations of road bikes 2, adult and kids mountain bikes 20inch to 29ers depending on the activity. I have a few questions I hope you can answer to help me decide: 1 - The rack will be going on a 2006 Honda Pilot with a 2inch hitch. I plan to have the Pilot for a few more years before moving to a 2017 or later Honda Ridgeline new body style. Will either of these vehicle have any issues with either rack? 2 - The Split Rail 2 comes with a wall mount which is a simple but appreciated feature. Can you confirm if it is still included with the 4 bike model? 3 - I have seen reviews/specs showing the the Split Rail 2 version is 44lbs. How heavy is the 4 bike model and how does it compare to the NV 2.0 Base with 2 bike add on weight-wise? 4 - I know it is a bit subjective, but what are your thoughts on the location of the release on the Split Rail 4 bike model with the release now being accessed under the middle of the rack due to additional two bike trays being placed on the end of the Split Rail. It looks super convenient on the Split Rail 2 and a big plus but given its location on the Split Rail 4, is it problematic or more cumbersome to access or operate? 5 - Any real advantages to the Split Rail wedge/cam hitch tightening system over the system on the NV Base 2.0 with 2 bike add on? 6 - I have seen only seen a Kuat Sherpa in person and though the finish and build quality was excellent. The NV Base 2.0 with 2 bike add on is supposed to be as good, if not better. I am not able to access a Split Rail 4 to assess the build quality, though I have read it is quite good. I assume that the additional two bike trays added on do not compromise the solidnessfoot of the rack though they have a lower max. bike weight. Can you comment on this and the finish of the Spilt Rail 4 in relation to the NV Base 2.0 with 2 bike add on? And finally thanks for your patience, but these are pretty good questions, no?... 7 - Which would you choose: the NV Base 2.0 with 2 bike add on or the Split Rail 4 and why? I love the site and I really appreciate etrailers expertise and insight. Thanks very much in advance for your help!

asked by: Stephen