Recommended Hitch Mount and Trunk Mount Bike Rack to Carry 3 Bikes on a 2011 BMW X5

Question:

I have a 2011 BMW X5. it does not have a hitch. Id like to carry 3 bikes - a womens road bike and 2 kids bikes 16in and 24in wheels. The other complication is that I expect that in the next 1-2 years I will replace the BMW. Therefore, I dont want to invest too much into parts that will not transfer to another make/model. Id consider purchasing a hitch and bike rack that is reasonable price-wise understanding that the hitch would not transfer to another make/model car or alternatively a trunk rack - Im thinking either the Thule Gateway Pro 3 or Yakima Fullback 3. The most impt thing with a trunk rack is ability to easily and quickly install. With 2 kids I need to access the hatch/trunk regularly... so I cant be taking the rack on/off multiple times a day...Id love to hear your recs on both a hitch/bike rack and a trunk rack

asked by: Faina R

Expert Reply:

Both the Yakima Fullback 3 # Y02633 and the Thule Gateway Pro # TH78VR are confirmed to fit your 2011 BMW X5. However, we have found the best bike for SUVs, especially those with a spoiler, is the Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top # HRF2-3. It's specifically designed to fit with a hatch to help prevent any damage to the vehicle.

Installing a hitch is going to be a more permanent option, like you said; however, there are definite advantages over a trunk mount. The biggest is the fact that the bikes and rack are not making contact with your BMW so there's less chance of damage. Also, once you have a hitch the amount of options for a bike rack increase.

For a hitch on your X5 I suggest the Draw-Tite Max-Frame # 75600 because the other option requires a support strap when carrying bikes. I've attached an install video of the Draw-Tite for you.

Since you might be replacing the BMW before too long if you go with a hitch mount rack I suggest one that will fit hitch receivers Class I through III to make sure the rack will fit a new vehicle. For a good option the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR fits all three hitch classes and is a tilt away rack to access your rear cargo area without removing the rack. It will carry up to four bikes and can be locked to the hitch receiver with # THSTL2.

Since all the racks mentioned are hanging racks and you're going to be carrying a woman's and children's bikes you'll likely need adapter bars to keep the bikes level. Since the bikes may not have the straight cross tube to fit on the arms of the racks you can use the Kuat Ubar # UB01 to create that horizontal tube that will keep the bikes level while carrying.