Bike Rack Recommendation for a Nissan Rouge Carrying 4 Bikes Including an Electra Amsterdam

Question:

Hi, i have a family of four and an Elaectra Amsterdam that i love. We like to go on excursions to bike. What hitch-type bike rack could handle the amsterdam and 3 other bikes 1 adult and 2 children on a small crossove nissan rogue? Since the amsterdam is quite heavy and funny designed, wed like a rack that is easy to handle no rooftop and that an tilt or swing for easy access to the back.. Finally, were the type that keep the rack on for all summer season. Thank you so much for your help!

asked by: Julie

Expert Reply:

As long as your Nissan Rouge has a 2 inch receiver hitch installed and you can keep the weight of the 4 bikes below 120 pounds, the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack, item # Y02458, would be a good choice for you. With this rack you will need the Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar, item # Y02531, to be able to transport ladies, child, or alternative framed bikes like your Electra Amsterdam.

I do not recommend the Yakima Holdup 4 Bike Rack, item # Y02443-2, that you mentioned because the fenders on the Electra Amsterdam will interfere with the wheel hooks, and this is a large rack to leave on the vehicle for extended periods.

The RidgeBack rack arms will fold down for carrying the rack while the bikes are not installed, making the extension at the back of the vehicle shorter, and the rack will tilt away from your Nissan for much easier access than the Holdup rack would give to your rear hatch.

When carrying your bikes on any rack keep the heaviest bikes, such as the Electra Amsterdam, closest to the rear of the vehicle to prevent excessive torque on the trailer hitch and the vehicle frame.

expert reply by: Robert G