How To Carry 4 Bikes On A 2008 Mazda 5  

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Expert Reply:

I do have a couple options for you but Class I hitches like the Draw-Tite Class I Sport Frame part # 24773 that fits the 2008 Mazda 5 are designed to only carry 2 bikes because of it's limited tongue weight rating. The weight of the bikes and bike rack is all considered tongue weight on the hitch and putting 4 bikes on a rack in a Class I hitch would create too much leverage and possibly damage the hitch or vehicle. With that being said, I recommend to get a 2 bike rack for the Class I trailer hitch and carry the other 2 bikes on the roof of the Mazda.

I like the Kuat Beta part # B202-114 because of it's lightweight construction. It weighs 12.6 lbs compared to 2-bike racks that can weigh up to 40 lbs. The lightweight construction will allow you to carry more weight in bikes on the hitch. The bike rack can handle 80 lbs of bike weight combined. If you plan on carrying women's or children's bikes with a slanted cross tube you need an adapter bar to hang the bikes level on the bike rack part # 64005. The rack does not come with locks so I recommend Kuat Bike Rack Hitch Lock for 1-1/4" Racks part # HL1 and Cable Lock part # 8419DPF to lock the bikes to the rack.

You can use the Inno Square Bar roof rack, part # INB117, # INXP, and # INTR120, along with 2-Upright Roof Bike Carrier part # S64720 to carry the other two bikes.

expert reply by: Heather A

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Enza

1/1/0001

We have a kids bike that we can stick on the trunk for now. Would you recommend a 3-bike trunk rack?

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Heather A.

7/5/2019

I recommend the Thule OutWay 3-Bike Rack part # TH56BV for the 2008 Mazda 5 because of Thule's FitDial design. The FitDial is an adjustable mechanism that allows you to tighten and set your bike rack for a specific number that has been tested on the 2008 Mazda 5 by Thule for the best fit. It also comes with integrated cable locks to keep your bikes secure. You would still need the adapter bar part # 64005 to hang the bikes level on this bike rack as well.

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