Best Affordable 3-Bike Trunk Mounted Rack for 2015 Kia Soul

Question

Question:

What are the differences between the Hollywood Rack Express 3 and the Thule Passage 3 Bike carrier? We will almost always carry just two bikes, but may have a third on a rare occasion. Should we just get a two bike carrier or is three ok for transporting two almost all the time? If we were to get a two bike carrier, which would you recommend? Do you have a recommendation for the KIA, which we will tow behind an RV and drive by itself? Thank you.

asked by: Melanie H

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Expert Reply:

It's better to have the capacity and not need it, than wonder "where will we put this third bike?" The extra weight capacity of the 3-bike version will also pay off in the long run since they're designed to be slightly sturdier than the 2-bike versions. The main downside is the extra length so keep that in mind when you're parking or backing into spaces with just the Kia Soul.

As for choosing which one, first the Hollywood Racks Express # HRE3, while a confirmed fit, I do not recommend for your 2015 Kia Soul. It is missing anti-sway features that are so important to keep your bike secure.

The Thule Passage 3-Bike Rack # TH911XT is a great rack. It has the same weight capacity of 35 lbs per bike. What's special about the Passage # TH911XT are two things. The first is the FitDial system where Thule has specific settings for each vehicle. The FitDial setting for the 2015 Kia Soul is 11. The second is how the arms are adjusted separately. If you are carrying one alternate frame bike like a children's or women's bike, this works great with keeping it level without an adapter bar like # TH982XT.

If I had to choose, I prefer the Thule Passage 3-Bike Rack # TH911XT because of its different design features. It has those cool rotating arms and is a good looking bike rack. It is also nice not to need an adapter bar if carrying a single alternate framed bike. It comes with the important featuere of anti-sway cages to prevent bike-to-bike contact.

Whichever one you find works best for your needs, you will need a separate cable lock like # e98891. You'll also need an extra strap like # e98876 to tie down your bikes since they will be on the highway. Make sure to reduce as much sway as you can especially from the front tires.

expert reply by: Evangeline M

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Answer 1

The Yakima Fullback for 3 bikes #Y02633 is a great choice for your Toyota Rav4 2020. I have attached a review video for you to see how it works.

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

Yes the Hollywood Racks Express bike rack part #HRE3 is a confirmed fit for your 2019 Toyota Camry and would work great. We had the chance to install it on a 2016 Camry and found that it worked well. If you check out the attached review video you can…

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Answer 4

A common misconception is that rear hatches can be opened with trunk mount bike racks still installed. Any trunk mount bike rack manufacturer that we have spoken with say the exact opposite even if the bikes aren't loaded. By keeping the rack…

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Answer 5

I've had some hands on with the Thule Passage item #TH911XT and I agree the cradles are not easy to move. You won't want to use a wrench and I would stay away from lubricating them because they won't stay in place if you do. Instead I…

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Answer 6

I am sorry to say that we do not offer an upright hanging style bike rack that will fit those parameters. With any hanging style 5 or 6 bike rack you will not be able to carry a bike that is over about 37 lbs. We do offer an upright style rack that…

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Answer 7

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C11473 is what I recommend for a 2019 Toyota Prius. It features a bolt-on install with 1-1/4" receiver tube opening. It has a class I rating so it can be used with any bike rack suited for this. For a…

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Answer 8

We can get what you need depending on exactly what you're doing the Thule Xadapt12 part #THXADAPT12 could work. It uses barrel nuts that thread down on the bolts for security. You can use the Replacement M8 T-Bolt part #853-0782 this will allow…

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Answer 9

The size wrench or socket used for installing the hardware of the #24819 is 1/2 inch although one customer said he used a 13 mm. A couple customers have came back and said that flat wrenches or ratcheting wrenches would help the most for the…

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