Kuat Transfer V2 3-Bike Rack vs. RockyMounts WestSlope 3-Bike Rack

Question:

I have a 2021 Tesla Model Y with a factory installed 2 hitch. The owners manual says the hitch is designed to support vertical loads of up to 160 lbs. I am looking for a hitch mounted bike rack to carry three bicycles. Based on what I have seen on the etrailer website, it appears that the Kuat Transfer 3 KU24FR and Rocky Mounts Westslope 3 RKY10223 are possible options. Can you provide any recommendations between these two options? Are there other options I should consider? Thank you.

asked by: David C

Helpful Expert Reply:

Those are a couple of great options you mentioned, but between the RockyMounts WestSlope 3-Bike Rack # RKY10223 and the Kuat Transfer V2 3-Bike Rack # KU24FR, I would definitely go with the Kuat Transfer V2 # KU24FR.

There are a number of reasons for this, including ease of use, clearances, and fit of bikes. Starting with ease of use, while the WestSlope uses a threaded hitch pin that requires you to use a ratchet like # PTW38106-24 to install, with the Transfer V2 you simply slide its hitch pin in, and use the provided allen wrench to tighten it in. Just a quick twist and you are done, and it is at a much more convenient location at the rear of the rack.

The Transfer V2 # KU24FR also allows you to tilt it and fold it with a foot pedal as opposed to the handle you have to pull with the WestSlope. The Transfer V2 also has better clearances; for example when it is folded up it has nearly an inch more of clearance from your bumper than the WestSlope, and isn't as long when folded up or down.

As for bikes, they come in so many different shapes and sizes now, and the Transfer V2 will fit more sizes. Both racks have a 40 lb per-bike capacity, but the Transfer V2 will fit bikes with 18" - 29" wheel diameters and up to 50" wheelbases; the WestSlope is unable to. Both racks fit bikes with up to 3" wide tires, but that's the limit for the WestSlope; with the Transfer you can fit bikes with up to 5" tires by adding the Phat Bike Adapter Kit # APBK.

The Transfer also comes with an integrated cable lock to secure your bikes to the rack, and for what it is worth, Kuat bike racks have, in my opinion, the coolest aesthetic in the industry. So for all of those reasons, if I were choosing a 3-bike rack, it would absolutely be the Kuat Transfer V2 3-Bike Rack # KU24FR.