2008 Toyota Sienna 4 Bike Rack Recommendation that Allows Access to Rear Door

Question:

I believe the Malone Pilot 4 will work for my family needs. Im concerned due to the low ground clearance of my 2008 Toyota Sienna, and all the reviews / videos / pictures of this rack are of SUV or cross-over vehicles with higher ground clearance. Will the rack be able to be installed on a 2008 Toyota Sienna, and when tilted down, the back hatch be able to be raised while typical adult bikes are installed? Will the rack be able to be folded into an upright position while installed on this same van? I have the standard Curt 2inch hitch installed. The Rear bumper also protrudes farther than the Curt 2inch hitch so Im concerned about the tilt upright position with bumper clearance.

asked by: Dereck M

Expert Reply:

Since you have limited ground clearance on your 2008 Toyota Sienna with the Curt hitch # C13105 installed and you want the ability to access the rear hatch of the vehicle with bikes loaded I have a better solution for you than the Malone bike rack which would most likely give you ground clearance issues and also probably not give you full rear hatch access with bikes loaded.

My favorite bike rack to recommend is the Thule Apex Swing 4 # 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.

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.

expert reply by: Jameson C