2-Bike Hitch Rack for 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

Question:

I have bought a new 2021 Pacifica and I need to be able to carry two bicycles, nothing fancy. Were camping out of the van and will be using bicycles regularly to get to trailheads, etc. Ive always used trunk mounted racks in the past and liked them. Im not sure thats the right way to go. I want something super solid and, obviously, I dont want to damage the vehicle. I have also looked at the Hollywood Racks cargo / bike carrier with the thought that I might be able to avoid a roof carrier. Ive never had one and dont know what that would be like. If YOU were looking for an excellent set up that was worry-free and convenient to camp with, what would you do? Thanks for helping me think about this.

asked by: James P

Helpful Expert Reply:

Congrats on nice new vehicle. I can understand you want to not damage it. If I wanted something easy, dependable, and sturdy I would not use a roof rack or a trunk rack. They are a lot of work to get installed and loaded, and then unloaded and uninstalled. I would definitely go with a hitch with a 2" receiver.

While the initial investment is higher, there are some big benefits to this method and additional opportunities besides carrying bikes. I will touch on each of these as we go. I wish I knew if you already had a hitch of any kind.

For a hitch I would go with the etrailer # e98903 two inch hitch. This hitch is a confirmed fit for your Pacifica. I have attached a video that demonstrates the installation. No holes need to be drilled and no welding is necessary. You can install this in a few hours in your garage. You will occasionally find a helping hand useful.

Next I would use the Rhino-Rack # RRRBC045 2-bike rack with Tilt feature. This rack will safely carry your bikes and not allow them to contact the vehicle. The tilt-down feature means you can tilt the whole rack, with bikes loaded, to a down position so you can open the rear hatch door. I have attached a video reviewing this product and demonstration the tilt feature. This rack does not include locks. I recommend the etrailer # e98881 locking hitch pin to keep your rack locked to your vehicle, and then the Malone # MPG356 cable lock to keep the bikes locked on the carrier.

Another option is the Yakima # Y02465 4-bike rack with "swing away" feature. This model can swing the entire bike rack to the side of the vehicle allowing you maximum access to the rear of the vehicle. Think of wanting something 3/4's of the way back in the car when you are at a rest stop. this rack includes locks.

Now that you have a hitch on the back of your vehicle you can optionally use a rear cargo carrier basket like the Curt # C18145 folding carrier OR tow a small trailer like the Detail # K2MMT4X6 utility trailer. This is perfect for hauling home bags of mulch, a new dishwasher, a riding mower, or all the stuff for a camping weekend.