Recommended Way to Carry 3 Bikes on a 2006 Scion xB with a Bare Roof
Question:
Thanks, Charles. I have a couple of other questions: 1. The weight capacity for the class 1 hitch non towing uses is 200lbs right? If yes, i don’t understand why 3 bikes won’t work. Our 3 bikes don’t come close to 200lbs. Does the weight of the rack itself push it over? 2. Does that trunk mounted rack have a lock? If not, can you recommend one that does?
asked by: Amy B
Expert Reply:
Like you said you aren't able to carry 3 bikes on a hitch mounted bike rack with your 2006 Scion xB because you need at least a Class II hitch and only Class I hitches are available for your vehicle. So that leaves either the roof or a trunk mount carrier.
If you want to add a roof rack you can use the Rhino-Rack system, parts # RRVA137B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK138. Then add 3 bike racks like the TomaHawk, part # RKY1222.
However, I recommend a trunk mount rack. It's a lot less expensive than a roof rack and a lot less permanent. So you're more likely to be able to use it on other vehicles. If you're going to be using the rack a lot or for purposes other than just the bikes then the roof rack is likely worth it. But for occasional bike use a trunk mount is the way to go.
A great trunk mount rack on your xB is the Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top, part # HRF2-3. It's specifically designed for SUV's and vehicles that have a rear hatch. You likely are going to need an adapter bar like the Swagman Deluxe, part # 64005 as well. It helps bikes that don't have a horizontal cross tube (like a typical men's bike does) ride level.
A third option to consider that's very portable like the trunk mount but brings the price back up like the roof option is the SeaSucker Bomber # 298-BB3008. It connects to your vehicle using vacuum cups that are extremely stable on the roof. Check out the attached video of the VW bus to see how strong the cups are. Then you can mount all three of your bikes to the Bomber and you won't need anything else.
Check out the videos of each product that I've attached to see them all in use.
Products Referenced in This Question
SeaSucker Bomber Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Fork Mount - Vacuum Cup Mounted
- Roof Bike Racks
- Fork Mount
- 9mm Fork
- Locks Not Included
- No Crossbars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Suction Cup Mount
- Black
- SeaSucker
more information >
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Naked Roof
- Roof Rack
- Fit Kits
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike
- Cable Locks
- Utility Lock
- Keyed Alike
- Steel
- 10 Feet Long
- etrailer
more information >
RockyMounts TomaHawk Roof Bike Rack for Fat Bikes - Wheel Mount - Clamp On - Aluminum
- Roof Bike Racks
- Wheel Mount
- 15mm Fork
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- 20mm Thru-Axle
- 5mm Fork
- 9mm Fork
- 9mm Thru-Axle
- Fat Bike
- Locks Not Included
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Standard
- Black
- RockyMounts
more information >
Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Thule Passive Security Strap for Trunk Mounted Bike Carriers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Straps
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Aero Bars
- 54 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
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Amy B.
4/14/2018
Thanks, Charles. I have a couple of other questions: 1. The weight capacity for the class 1 hitch non towing uses is 200lbs right? If yes, i don’t understand why 3 bikes won’t work. Our 3 bikes don’t come close to 200lbs. Does the weight of the rack itself push it over? 2. Does that trunk mounted rack have a lock? If not, can you recommend one that does?