RockyMounts Monorail 3 vs the Westslope 3 Bike Racks

Question:

Hi, I have a 2016 Subaru outback wagon with a 2in hitch. I am considering the RockyMounts monorail 3 vs the Westslope 3. I am leaning toward the the Westslope 3 rack due to cost and type of users we are. We are a family of 2 adults and a 10 yr old. We are looking for a rack easy to load and take on and off for recreational biking around home in MD and for long distance trips. We are not hard core bikers and dont think will transport fat tire bikes anytime soon if at all. 1. I am 54 and am thinking that the Pull to lower the Monorail 3 while nice, will still require a 2nd person to help me as I likely wont be able hold the weight and pull at the same time. If on a incline, will the far end of the rack with the bikes on crash to the ground and get scraped up or damaged? 2. With the Westslope 3, I there is a 2nd person to hold the far end of the rack, so I can release the pull, do i have to worry about the end of the rack with bikes hitting the ground on an incline? 3. Will # RKY10224 be long enough to lock up 3 bikes on Westslope 3 rack? The # RKY10224 lock kit says it is for the 2 bike rack. How long is it? Is it long enough to lock up 3 bikes on the Westlope? If not, is there more than 1 pin on the Westslope 3 to lock it to? Could you please advise on how many to purchase to lock up 3 bikes. 4. What model year is the # RKY10223 Westslope 3? Is # RKY10223 a newer version? I have seen reviews that listed the Westslope 3 rack as $300. Im wondering if # RKY10223 is a newer model or if not is the price higher at e-trailer to pay for shipping? 5. If we were to rent and transport fat tire bikes, would we be able to transport them with the Westslope 3? 6. Any other thoughts re: Monorail 3 vs Westlope 3 would be appreciated. I also considered the Kuat 3 but after reading seems the the Westslope 3 is better value for the cost. Thanks for your help! Id love to get in order in ASAP. Carolyn

asked by: Carolyn

Expert Reply:

For your needs the Westslope part # RKY10223 would be the better option since it's a bit lighter weight which makes loading and unloading much easier. These racks do not slide out of the hitch tube as easily as you'd think. If you pulled the pin they would not come crashing out if you were on an incline. You'd need to slightly lift the rear of the hitch to release the tension of it's shank and the hitch opening so that the rack could slide out.

The # RKY10224 is long enough for the 3 bike Westslope so you wouldn't have to worry about it not being long enough. The # RKY10223 is the current version from RockyMounts. This can fit tires up to 3 inches in width.

expert reply by: Jameson C