Recommendation For 4 Bike Rack on 2001 Honda Odyssey That Does Not Require a Bike Adapter Bar

Question:

We have 4 bikes to carry - 3 womens bikes and a childs bike. I would rather not buy the adapter for all of the bikes. Will this rack work for these 3 bikes or is there a better one that will work without the adapter? The bikes each weigh between 28 - 34 lbs, so we cant go with a rack that only carries 120 lbs. Thanks!

asked by: Miriam P

Expert Reply:

If you have a Class III 2-inch hitch on your 2001 Honda Odyssey you can use a platform hitch bike rack like the Swagman XTC4 4 Bike Rack. part # S64665. The platform style bike racks are easier to load and will hold the tires of the bikes in the wheel hoops and by a sliding, ratcheting hook that attaches to the frame of the bike. This bike rack has a weight capacity of 35 lbs per bike.

The sliding hooks will allow you to clamp down the different types of bike frames that might not have that horizontal bar that runs from the seat post to the handle bar post.

If you have the Class II 1-1/4 inch hitch on your Odyssey you will be limited to only the hanging bike racks, like the Thule Hitching Post 4 Bike Rack, part # TH934XTR, you have referenced that are designed to hold the bikes by the horizontal bar on the bike frame. Most all of the hanging bike racks will require the use of the bike adapter bars.

If you need to purchase a hitch I would recommend to use a Class III 2-Inch hitch like the Draw-Tite Hitch, part # 75270. This hitch will allow you to use the platform style bike rack and has a higher weight capacity than a Class II hitch. The 2-inch hitch is a more popular size and will give you a better selection of hitch accessories.

expert reply by: Jeff D