Hitch Bike Rack and Cargo Carrier on a 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon

Question:

Question: I have the LWB ford transit WAGON, not the van. It has 2 sliding doors and a large hatch lift rear door. 2” hitch with a Thule 2 bike platform style rack. How can I still carry these bikes and also have an aluminum cargo hitch carrier ? I know there are double mount extensions ... ?

asked by: Greta

Expert Reply:

I have a possible solution for you, but I don't recommend carrying your Thule bike rack with an aluminum carrier, even though its technically possible.

You could use a part like the Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver, part # RM-077-8, which offers an 8 inch rise and would give you two 2 inch receiver hitches to work with. The top one would absolutely have to be the bike rack, while the bottom would be your cargo carrier's shank. You would then use an extender in the bottom port to clear most of the bike rack, or opt to only use the carrier for flat packages under 7 inches tall.

I don't recommend this because you'll lose most of the cargo capacity of the carrier underneath the bike rack, plus it will be difficult to load. Finally, if you choose to use an extender to clear your bike rack, you'll lower the total amount of weight you can carry in the cargo carrier, plus extend your vehicle length enough that you'll risk contact with the ground every time you go up or down an incline.

Instead, I recommend either an alternative mounting method for the bikes, or a switch to a carrier designed for this application.

If you choose an alternative carrying method, I recommend the Yakima FullBack, part # Y02634 for the bikes. This can carry up to 35 pound bikes, though you'll need to use a Frame Adapter Bar, part # 64005 to carry your bike if it has an alternative frame. Then for a cargo carrier, I recommend the 22-1/2x49 Curt, part # C18113 for your cargo carrier.

If you instead want to outright replace your carrier to work directly with the bike rack, you'll want to get Hollywood Racks' Sport Rider SE 2 bike plus cargo rack, part # HR1450Z-85 for just the bike rack and carrier, or part # HR1400Z-85 with a two bike add on. This rack includes bike and hitch locks, and adds a cargo carrier with 100 pounds of capacity to the rear of the bike rack. It can carry two bikes up to 50 pounds each and up to 60 inch wheel bases.

I've included videos of all of these solutions so you can compare them and pick the best one for you.