How to Carry 6 Bikes on a Roof Rack Using Yakima 78 Inch Crossbars

Question:

Hi, Im looking to carry 6 bikes on a roof carrier. On Yakimas site, they say this is possible with 78 inch crossbars. This carrier says the minimum spacing is 16. With the 78 inch bars it would be slightly less 15.6. Will this work? Also with this setup, will the bikes all mount forward or alternate forward/back? Thanks

asked by: Alan M

Expert Reply:

The Yakima FrontLoader # Y02103 does require a crossbar spread of 16 to 48 inches. Crossbar spread is the distance between the bars, front to back. So it doesn't impact how many can fit across the crossbars. Yakima has confirmed that you can load 6 bikes on their 78 inch crossbars # Y00411.

Alternating the bike between forward and rearward facing is definitely the easier way to load the bikes to avoid handlebar contact.

You'll want to verify the roof of your vehicle can support the weight of the roof rack, bike carriers, and bikes as well. That's going to be a lot of weight on a roof.

expert reply by: Charles S

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Sandy C.

7/29/2020

We have a 2018 Sienna Toyota: It came with a car rack on top. Can we fit 6 bikes on top with The Yakima FrontLoader # Y02103 and 78 inch crossbars # Y00411. what is total weight of those & cost for 6 bikes? Thank you!

Jon G.

8/6/2020

In order to use the 78" Yakima CoreBars # Y00411 on your 2018 Toyota Sienna you're also going to need the TimberLine Towers # Y33TR and the RoundBar Adapter # Y03536. This has a weight capacity of 165 lbs which is reduced to 87 lbs when you install 6 of the FrontLoader # Y02103 (which weighs in at 13 lbs for one). Unless you plan on carrying super light bikes your only real solution is to install a hitch # e98853 and use the HangOver # Y02485, but even this has some limitations (see specs on product page).