Trailer Hitch Mounted Platform Style 2 Bike Rack for a 2001 Dodge Caravan

Question:

Im 77 yrs old and have trouble lifting my bike onto a standard bike carrier for my 2001 Dodge Caravan. Ive seen the kind of carrier where its lower to the ground and attaches to a hitch for a bike. I put the info. on here but am still confused. Can you make any suggestions. I really only need a carrier for one or two bikes. I learned that some carriers are not good for girls bikes. I have a cruiser bike about 2 yrs. old

asked by: Pat W

Expert Reply:

You'll be looking at adding a trailer hitch receiver and what's called a "Platform Style Rack" to your vehicle.

If you don't already have a hitch, you'll want to install one to start. I recommend going with the Draw-Tite Class III Max-Frame Hitch, part # 75119. This is a no drill, no trim install that can be completed by local dealers or certified body shops, or done as a home installation. I've included a link to an installation on a 2007 Dodge Caravan which is built on the same frame so you can see the process, as well as our trailer hitch installation guide to help a home install go as smoothly as possible.

For a rack, you'll want a wheel mounting platform style rack, which has the best chance of working with the cruiser step through frame it sounds like you've got. Wheel mount platform racks use a clamp to secure the wheel to the carrier and avoid contact with the frame, giving them a wide range of bike compatibilities. I've included a link that will take you to all compatible racks with the Draw Tite Hitch that I recommended so you can look through them.

In your case though, I have a few that stand out due to the rack's lower weight, ease of assembly and helpful features.

One of my favorites is the Kuat Transer, part # KU74FR. This rack has a unique "U" shape that lets you physically step into the rack when loading the first bike, making the process easier. Its cradles also rotate a little bit, and you can roll the bike up the rear cradle and into the front cradle, letting you support some of the weight on the carrier while loading the bike.

The Transfer is a little heavier at 47 pounds, but still light in comparison to most racks.

Another option is the Saris Freedom SuperClamp EX, part # SA4025F. This rack includes integrated locks and has fully adjustable wheel cradles to help you fit your bike the best way possible. At 35 pounds, its one of the lightest racks on the market, beaten only by its sister rack, the Saris Freedom EX, part # SA4412B that is a frame mount rather than a wheel mount. This rack is only 22.5 pounds, and features a rotating, adjustable center frame cradle that can also be compatible with alternative or Women's framed bikes.

A final, premium option is the Thule EasyFold XT, part # TH903202. This premium rack has a frame mount style and most importantly, a removable aluminum ramp that allows you to roll your bike directly up into the platform rack without having to lift it. This rack can adjust to a large range of bike types, and clamps onto any part of your bike's frame to give you a quick, easy fit.

Its the heaviest of these racks at 45 pounds, but Thule has included a fully folding feature with handle to the rack, plus an integrated anti-rattle, locking hitch pin and bike locks to make installing and removing the rack as easy as possible. It can handle bikes up to 65 pounds a piece.

I've included our video reviews of all of these racks so you can compare their features and performance for yourself, and make the best choice for your bikes.