Recommended Hitch Mounted Bike Rack for a 2018 Toyota Yaris  

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In most cases, and historically with the Toyota Yaris, you'll have a Class I 1-1/4 inch hitch installed. You'll be able to use a 3 bike rack like the Thule Helium Aero 3-Bike rack, part # TH9043PRO, but you will only be able to carry two bikes on the rack loaded closest to the vehicle. This is because a Class I hitch is only designed to carry weight in certain ways, and the third position on the rack will not be within that design. As it is, the distance between bikes on a 2 and 3 bike rack isn't terribly different, and the risks of using a 3-bike rack on a Class I hitch aren't worth the extra space. Most manufacturers include an anti-sway cradle as a way of minimizing the swaying and swinging of the bikes while they are loaded.

For the pictured bike, you'll want to use a frame adapter bar like Swagman's, part # 64005. this will let your wife's bike ride more level with the rack and help minimize the risk of damage that the bike could sustain if it was loaded using its crossbeam.

I recommend purchasing a rack like the Thule Helium Aero 2-Bike rack, part # TH9042PRO. This rack includes integrated hitch and cable locks, providing increased security to your bikes while they are on the rack. Additionally, Thule's anti-sway cradles are installed on this rack, further minimizing the risk of damage to your bikes.

I've included videos of the rack and adapter bar in action so you can get a better idea of how they work together.

expert reply by: Jacob W

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