Bike Rack Recommendations for Carrying Two Mountain Bikes a Long Trip with a 2009 Toyota Camry

Question:

Hello, Wife and I would like to take or two mountain bikes with us on a long trip with our 09 Toyota Camery. Do you have 2 or 3 best fits to suggest?

asked by: David D

Expert Reply:

My first recommendation and the most versatile and convenient option would be to use a hitch mounted bike rack and trailer hitch to carry your mountain bikes on your 2009 Toyota Camry. The trailer hitch, # 36416, will provide an attachment point that does not require putting a rack against the finish on the vehicle, and would allow you to carry other items when not carrying the bikes, or tow a small trailer. With this hitch I would recommend the Swagman XTC-2 bike rack, # S64670, which is our best selling bike rack, see video link. This rack folds compactly for storage and allows access to the vehicle trunk without removing the bike rack each time.

My next recommendation would be a trunk mount rack. The Thule OutWay 2 Bike Carrier, # TH45JV, is the easiest to install and remove bike carrier that we offer. It has coated cables that adjust to easily fit the vehicle with oversize ratcheting knobs. Once initially fitted the carrier easily removes and installs when access to the vehicle trunk is needed.

You may also need to consider a bike adapter bar if any of your bikes are women's style bikes. The Thule Bike Adapter Bar, # TH982XT, would work well, see video link.

expert reply by: Robert G