Trailer Hitch and 4 Bike Rack Recommendation for 2017 Toyota Sienna
Question:
Thanks for that great reply! I already have a Yakima Full Swing but will look into that adapter for my wife. If I did want to tow with my sienna, is there a weight recommendation? I won’t tow a boat, but may get a small trailer for my Boy Scout troop. Would then need a wiring harness as well.
asked by: Robert S
Expert Reply:
Using a hitch mounted bike rack or cargo carrier isn't technically towing so if your owners manual say "no towing" that doesn't mean you couldn't use a hitch rack. The trailer hitch I recommend for your 2017 Toyota Sienna is the etrailer.com hitch part # E98853 which is a 2 inch hitch that has a concealed crosstube that allows it to be less visible. 2 inch hitches have higher capacities than 1-1/4 inch hitches which will be very helpful when carrying a 4 bike rack as they can be on the heavier side. I attached a picture of what this hitch looks like installed as well as an install video for more info too.
My favorite bike rack to recommend is the Thule Apex Swing # TH9027XT because it can carry up to 4 bikes and can swing out and away from the rear of the vehicle to give you complete access to the rear cargo area with bikes loaded. The arms of the rack can also fold down when not in use so that the bike rack doesn't take up much space as well. Check out the review video I attached for more info on this rack as well. The video shows the rack test fit on a 2018 Toyota Sienna just like yours.
If you plan on carrying any womens or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.
Robert S.
3/5/2019
Thanks for that great reply! I already have a Yakima Full Swing but will look into that adapter for my wife. If I did want to tow with my sienna, is there a weight recommendation? I won’t tow a boat, but may get a small trailer for my Boy Scout troop. Would then need a wiring harness as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Thule Apex Swing XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Swing-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- Kuat
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
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Joseph H.
7/17/2020
Since the xle & Limitied AWD doesn't have the tow package (unlike all the other Sienna models, so weird...) can we still really tow 3500lb? Will we need to be careful of overheating issues or would it be better to only use it for bikes? Thanks!