Options for Transporting Bikes with a 2012 Toyota Highlander

Question:

Is it an easy installation?

asked by: Craig

Expert Reply:

I believe I have a bike rack solution that would work for you, but I checked with our trunk mounted bike rack manufacturers and none of them have fits for your 2012 Toyota Highlander. The reason they cite is that there is not a safe place to install the upper straps of a trunk mounted bike rack on your vehicle.

Your best option would be to install a hitch on your vehicle if you do not have one already and then use a hitch mounted bike rack to transport your bikes. The great thing about having a hitch will be that if in the future you need to tow a trailer or carry a cargo carrier you would be ready to go.

If you need a hitch I would recommend you get a Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75726. I attached installation instructions and an installation video for this product for you to check out also.

For a bike rack I would recommend you get a Swagman 3 Bike Carrier # S63365. This is a 3 bike rack with anti-sway cradles and a tilting feature to allow cargo access.

If you plan on carrying womens or alternative framed bikes I would recommend you check out a Swagman Easy-Out Bike Adapter Bar # 64005. This adapter will provide a horizontal bar for an attachment point for your bike rack. Check out the review video I attached that shows how it works.