Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack Recommendation for 5 Bikes for a 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan

Question:

We are a family of 5, but the youngest is still on the back of my bike for now. It would be potentially 4-5 years before he is riding independantly. So...first question is should we be looking at 4 bike racks or 5 ?? I hve looked into the Swagman, thule and Yakima 5 bike versions. As it is mostly me doing the biking with the kids I need it to be easy to use and safe. Which of these would fit this bill ? Lastly...we are driving a 1997 VW Eurovan and it has been suggested to me that the 5 bike racks would be too much weight. I have talked to VW, but they only come up with tongue weight. Would any of the 3 above named brands work better with our vehicle or none at all ? Thanks for your help !

asked by: fiona

Expert Reply:

The tongue weight figure quoted to you by Volkswagen will tell you the maximum weight that you would be able to suspend from a hitch. The weight of the bike rack as well as all the bicycles placed on it could not exceed this capacity.

To carry 4 or 5 bikes, you will need a Class III trailer hitch, like # 13217. I would recommend going with the Bike Rack with the 5 bike capacity. This way, in 4 years you will not need to purchase a new bike rack. I would recommend the Thule Apex, part # TH9026XT, primarily because of its 187.5 pound weight capacity and dual arm design that would reduce bike movement while towing. Thule makes a great rack that will give you many years of dependable service.

Since you will likely be carrying alternative frame bikes, (like your children's bikes) that do not have a top frame tube that goes straight across, you will need an adapter bar, # TH982XT, in order to carry these bikes more level and provide better ground clearance.

expert reply by: Mike L