Recommended Two Bike Racks for 2005 Chrysler Town and Country  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Lets start with the hitch. If you would only be using the hitch as an attachment point for a bike rack, and cannot foresee ever towing a trailer or needing a hitch mounted accessory like a cargo tray like part # 63153, a trunk or hatch mounted rack would be an excellent choice. Since a trunk mount rack is typically not left in place when not being used, you will want to choose the rack that is easiest to install and remove. The Thule Raceway, part # TH9001PRO for a 2 bike capacity or # TH9002PRO for a 3 bike capacity is the best choice, hands down. The Raceway uses 4 ratcheting cables to attach to the vehicle, rather than the 6 straps that other racks use. The straps require adjustment each time the rack is installed or removed, which is a time consuming and cumbersome process. One set of the Raceway ratcheting cables is lockable, and the rack features an integrated cable lock to deter theft.

If you might tow a trailer or need a cargo carrier now or at some time in the future, getting a Class III receiver hitch like the Draw-Tite Hitch # 75119 for models without stow and go seating or the Draw-Tite Hitch # 75305 for models with stow and go seats would be your best bet. For carrying two bikes, a good entry-level type rack would be the Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360. The rack features an anti-rattle hitch pin and anti-sway cradles that prevent the bikes from swinging back and forth and striking each other or the vehicle.

A better rack would be the Swagman Titan, part # S63400. Very similar to the Trailhead I mentioned above, the Titan also provides an integrated cable lock. A hitch pin lock, part # S64029 is recommended for either Swagman rack, but is sold separately.

The Thule Helium Aero PRO, part # TH9042PRO combines the features of the other two racks I mentioned, but also provides very lightweight but strong aluminum construction as well as an included anti-rattle hitch pin and lock system.

To carry womens bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames, using a frame adapter like part # TH982XT is recommended. The adapter spans the distance between the seat post and the handle bar gooseneck, and provides a level attachment point to the bike rack so the bike has greater ground clearance and is not carried at an angle.

For install details and product demonstration videos, click the provided links.

expert reply by: Mike L

0