Recommended 4-Bike Rack for 2004 Toyota Matrix

Question:

I need a suggestion for a rack for a hatchback Toyota Matrix 2004 for 4 bikes - 2 girls bikes 2 adults. Does the car need any additional equipment too?

asked by: DeniseI

Expert Reply:

In order to transport 4 bikes with your 2004 Toyota Matrix, I recommend going with a trailer hitch-mounted bike rack like the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR. This is a great, sturdy rack that can hold up to 4 bikes at 35 pounds each. It features a tilting mast that allows for easy rear cargo access on your Matrix and the HoldFast cradles and anti-sway arms will hold the bike frames at 3 points to prevent sway and bike-to-bike contact.

In order to help deter theft, I recommend adding the Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock # THSTL2 to secure the carrier to the vehicle and the Cable Lock # TH538XT to secure your bikes to the carrier.

Since you will be carrying a couple of children's bikes, an adapter bar like the Kuat # UB01 may be needed. This will provide a horizontal attachment point for the bike carrier to ensure level transport and improved ground clearance. I have included a video demonstration on this product so you can see exactly how it works and why it might be necessary.

If you do not have a trailer hitch installed on your Toyota Matrix, I recommend the Curt Class II Round Tube Receiver Hitch # C12221. This is confirmed to fit your vehicle and will provide a 1-1/4 inch hitch receiver for hitch-mounted accessories such as bike racks and cargo carriers. All of the necessary hardware is included.

I have attached the installation details for you to look through.