Recommendation to Transport 4 Bikes with 2005 Ford Freestyle along with Possible New Vehicle

Question

Question:

Hi - I have a 2005 Ford Freestyle, which will will probably replace in the next year or so. My kids recently moved up to adult sized bikes. We dont have any way to transport 4 bikes on our vehicle we used to just shove them in the back, which doesnt work anymore. Are there any good racks for 4 adult sized bike racks of any type that could be transferred to our next vehicle? To complicate things, we dont have a hitch on our Freestyle : Thanks for your advice,

asked by: Rhonda

0

Expert Reply:

I have a couple possible solutions for you.

Since you plan on changing vehicles soon, the most cost-efficient way to transport your bikes with your 2005 Ford Freestyle is with a trunk mount bike carrier. The most bikes a trunk-mount carrier that we offer can carry is 3, however if you are able to still fit one bike inside the vehicle, this may be your best option.

I recommend the Hollywood Racks Express 3 Bike Carrier # HRE3. This will hold 3 bikes of up to 35 pounds each and features sturdy cradles with soft rubber straps to secure the bikes to the rack. This carrier is confirmed to fit your Freestyle, but it is fairly universal and is confirmed to fit many vehicles. You can check out the list of vehicles it is confirmed to fit on the product page. If you decide to go this route, I recommend adding the Thule Passive Security Strap # TH533 and the 10' Cable Lock # CAB-10 to secure the rack to your vehicle and the bikes to the rack.

If you plan on carrying any children's, women's or alternative frame bikes, you may need an adapter bar like the Hollywood Racks # HRBA-PRO. This will provide a horizontal attachment point for level transport and improved ground clearance. I have attached a video demonstration of this product for you to check out.

The other option is a hitch-mounted bike rack like the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR, which will allow you to carry all four of your bikes outside the vehicle. This carrier will hold up to 4 bikes at 35 pounds each and can tilt away from the vehicle for easy rear cargo access. This is compatible with both 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch trailer hitch receivers, so as long as your new vehicle has a trailer hitch installed, you will be able to transfer the rack.

For a trailer hitch for your 2005 Ford Freestyle, I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch # 75299. This will provide a 2 inch receiver opening with a 350 pound tongue weight capacity. I have attached the installation details for you to check out. Because trailer hitches are custom-designed for specific vehicles, you will most likely not be able to re-use the hitch on a new vehicle.