Recommended Bike Rack on a 2014 Toyota 4Runner for Electra Townie Electric Bikes

Question:

I have a 2014 Toyota 4Runner with the standard side hitch. I just purchased step through and leg over Electra Townie bikes. They weigh about 58 pounds each. What hitch-mounted bike rack would you recommend? It would be nice to be able to open the rear hatch while it is attached. Also nice to have a fold-up capability when not in use. Your recommendations please and Thank you!

asked by: Daniel H

Expert Reply:

The bike rack I recommend putting on your 2014 Toyota 4Runner is the Thule EasyFold XT 2 # TH903202. This is a rack specifically designed for heavier bikes like the Electra Townies you just purchased, and has a weight capacity of 65 lbs per bike. It also has an extendable ramp so you don't have to lift nearly 60 pounds each time you want to load the rack. There are ratcheting straps which secure your wheels to the rack, and adjustable clamps to grasp the frame of the step-over bike, though you are going to need an adapter bar, # TH982XT, for the step-through.

As the name - EasyFold - suggests, this Thule rack also folds up for storage access. It can even tilt, with the bikes on if need be, so you can open the rear hatch of your 4Runner. It does have a maximum tire width of 2-1/2 inches, so it will not work if your Electra Townies have fat tires, which I know some models do. I have attached a link to a video review of this Thule rack for you to take a look at.

Should you have those fat tires, the best option is going to be the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider, # HLY84FR. It will allow you to carry bikes with tires up to five inches wide and has a carrying capacity of 80 lbs per bike. The Hollywood folds up for storage, and tilts so you can open the rear hatch. This rack has straps so you can secure the wheels, and sliding hooks which attach to the frame, though you are going to need the aforementioned bike adapter bar for your step-through Townie with this rack as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S