Best Option for Bike Rack on 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Your best option for a 3-bike rack would be to use a hitch, the Curt # C13383, which is a fit for your vehicle, and a hitch-mounted bike rack. The reason for this is the Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top 3 Bike Rack HRF2-3 must be attached to a trunk or hatch lid made of steel and because your 2017 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid does not have that, you will not want to use this rack.

In addition, I do not recommend using the Yakima trunk-mounted racks that fit your Pacifica either, because the upper hooks on these racks must be installed in "anchor mode" and according to Yakima, "The headliner and or trunk liner on this vehicle may deform or be damaged under prolonged contact with this rack in anchor mode."

For a hitch-mounted bike rack that fits the Curt # C13383 on your '17 Pacifica Hybrid, I highly recommend the Swagman Trailhead 3-Bike Carrier # S63365 because the rack uses anti-sway cradles with rubber straps to secure the bikes to the rack and will completely prevent contact with your Pacifica. It has folding arms for when you are not using it, can tilt down for access to your rear hatch, and includes both a hitch lock to secure the rack to your vehicle and a cable lock to secure your bikes to the rack, protecting your investments.

Additionally, the Road Runner has a number of quality of life features, including an anti-sway with tie-down straps that will keep your front wheels straight and stop the wheels and pedals from spinning while minimizing movement of your bikes. It also has an anti-rattle handle that you only need to tighten in order to reduce the movement of the rack in the receiver.

Please note that when using a hanging rack you'll need bike frame adapter bar # 64005 if your bike is dual-suspension, has a step-through frame or you want to carry a small children's bike. The bar will give those bikes a horizontal mounting point so they can be carried by the rack. I've added a link to a video review of the adapter so you can see exactly how it works.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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John

5/3/2018

Thank you I recently looked into the bike rack issue with my local Chrysler dealer. Initially I asked about a hitch receiver for my Pacifica Hybrid, and was told that Chrysler does not advise using or installing a hitch receiver on that car. I new they did not recommend using the car to tow, but It wasn’t clear to me why I couldn’t install a hitch receiver for a bike rack. The reason I was given was that the battery pack for that car extends to the area where the hitch would be attached. Frankly that sounded like B.S. to me, but I suspect the real reason is that the car is too low to the road; a hitch receiver might put the bike wheels too close to the pavement. Driving over any good bump might destroy the wheels. I have wanted to avoid a roof rack because I am 70 years old, and have no desire to boost my bike to the top of the car. I was really hoping the Hollywood rack was going to be the answer, but a magnet has revealed that the rear hatch is definitely not made of steel. Too bad Chrysler didn’t think about this when they designed the Pacifica. A little more steel might have made the car more versatile. Thank you for looking into this for me.

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Kyle S.

5/3/2018

You are correct that a hitch such as the Curt # C13383 will be somewhat low to the ground, approximately 12-1/2" as you can see from the accompanying photo. However, there is a solution to that by using a bike rack with a shank that has rise. I recommend taking a look at the Saris Freedom # SA4412B, which is a 2-bike platform rack that has a shank with an 8" rise and is also very light at 22.5 lbs, making it easy to take on and off your Pacifica; you can also fold down the upright mast to open the rear hitch of your vehicle. It has rubber cradles with cushioned straps which grasp your bikes by the downtubes. I would also recommend using Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for Saris Bike Racks # SA3022 Saris Cable Lock # SA981 as anti-theft measures. Using this rack will give you a good amount of clearance from the ground so driving over a bump won't destroy the wheels. I've added a link to a video review of this rack for you to check out as well.

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