Thule Doubletrack or Swagman Chinook Bike Rack for Long Distance Trip

Question:

I have a Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Class II - 1-1/4, Item # C12115 installed on my 2015 Chevrolet Malibu and would like to know which of the two mentioned bike racks would be best for my needs. Im relocating 2300 miles away and will be traveling alone. I have two new Trek bikes a mountain bike and a hybrid that Im taking with me. I plan on taking the bikes into my motel room at night but am concerned with security for the quick restroom stops. So I guess my questions are if these two racks are durable enough for this long distance trip and is the security hitch and bike locks adequate for the quick stops I mentioned. Thanks.

asked by: Marcial M

Expert Reply:

The Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Platform Rack # S64683 and the Thule Doubletrack Pro XT # TH92BJ are very comparable and both will be able to handle a long distance trip without issue. Between these two options though I do recommend going with the Swagman Chinook # S64683 for a few reasons.

The Chinook features a higher weight capacity of 45 pounds per bike compared to 35 pounds per bike on the Doubletrack. Even if your two Trek bikes fall under 35 pounds each, the higher weight capacity still indicates an overall stronger unit and it's always nice to have a higher safety margin.

A comfort feature that sets the two carriers apart is the tilting design of the Swagman Chinook. In addition to being able to fold up against the vehicle for storage when not in use like the Thule Doubletrack, the Chinook can also tilt away from the vehicle (with the bikes still loaded). This simply makes it much easier to access the rear cargo area on your Malibu, especially when making stops at hotels where you will likely be doing some unloading and loading.

The Chinook does also include a hitch lock to secure the rack to your Malibu as well as locks on the ratcheting hooks to secure the bikes to the rack. This means that even when making those quicker stops at a gas station or restaurant where your bikes won't necessarily be following you, you can still feel at ease knowing your bikes are secured to the rack and your vehicle.

All of these reasons plus the friendlier price tag make the Swagman Chinook # S64683 the perfect rack for your application.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this bike rack that you can also take a look at.