Trailer Hitch Receiver Mounted 4 Bike Rack for a 2007 Honda Element  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Because the bike racks are effectively universal in terms of hitch shape, we don't custom-fit to each vehicle individually. An exception is of course if the vehicle has a rear mount spare tire. Since you don't have one, you don't need to worry about this.

The bumper or body elements of a vehicle can sometimes get in the way, and if you're worried about this, you can simply measure from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge plane of the bumper. The etrailer part # e78KR that you ordered for your Honda Element will have a hitch pin hole that is 3 inches to the edge of the bumper, giving you a wide range of useable bike racks for your Element.

I've included a link to all of our 4 bike racks that will work with your hitch below but I wanted to highlight a few extremely popular choices in this category that may be a good fit for you and your bikes.

The Saris Freedom SuperClamp EX4, part # SA4026F is a phenomenal platform style rack that is made in the USA option that mounts your bikes by the wheels, avoiding any contact with the frame of the bike itself. This can hold two bikes that are up to 60 pounds in the positions closest to the vehicle, and two bikes that are 35 pounds in the outer rack. It includes integrated cable and hitch locks as well, increasing the security of the rack. The SuperClamp also folds up and tilts away from the vehicle, giving you flexibility in how your vehicle works while the rack is installed. One great additional feature is Saris' lifetime warranty available on all of their racks, giving you a reliable product that always has a fix available.

A more value oriented platform option is the Yakima HoldUp, part # Y02443-2 . This is convertible easily to a 2 bike carrier, giving you flexibility in the number of bikes you're carrying. It weighs in at 98 pounds. This rack includes anti-rattle and integrated hitch and bike locks, providing security for your rack and bikes. It can carry a maximum of 50 pounds per bike and is slightly less flexible in terms of the wheelbases, only carrying up to 48 inches. It also folds and tilts, providing the same flexibility as the SuperClamp.

An extremely economical option is the Thule Hitching Post Pro, part # TH934XTR , which is a hanging rack. This rack hangs the bikes by the cross tube of their frame, rather than by the wheels. This may necessitate the use of a frame adapter like part # 64005 which will let any alternative frame bikes ride level. The Hitching Post Pro doesn't include locks, so you'll want to purchase a cable lock like part # e98891 to add security to your rack. This rack does tilt and fold away from the vehicle, though you will need to unload the bikes prior to tilting this rack.

I've included videos of all of these racks so you can get an idea of how they work and what their individual features look like in action.

expert reply by: Jacob W

0