Recommended 4 Bike Hanging Bike Rack to be Used on Both a Chevy Silverado and a Jeep Cherokee

Question:

Ive been looking at hitch bike racks and have narrowed to two the Thule vertex or Yakima ridgeback for 4 bikes. I want to spend about $300 and would like it to be easy to remove and install as I will be taking on and off and using it on two vehicles. I have a Chevy Silverado and jeep Cherokee. I do care about our vehicles and would like to bikes to be stable and not damage our vehicles. We also have a kids bike, ladies bike and mens bike. Can you give me any advice or recommendations.

asked by: Heather

Expert Reply:

Both the Thule Apex, # TH9025XT, and the Yakima RidgeBack # Y02458, are very similar in deign and features, but I recommend the RidgeBack because of the design of the hitch lock and anti-rattle device.

The RidgeBack uses the SpeedKnob device that provides for tool-free installation. Once in the trailer hitch you will spin the knob until the rack is tight inside the hitch. Then using the included key you can lock the knob so it will only free spin to deter theft.

The RidgeBack has a carrying capacity of 4 bikes with a total weight capacity of 150 lbs.

If you plan on carrying any women's, kids, or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.

expert reply by: Jared P