Finding A Hitch Bike Rack That Will Work With Multiple Vehicles

Question:

Hello, I need a new bike rack for 4 carbon fiber, draft legal road racing bikes for my kids. We have been using the Hollywood Rack, 4 bike, 2 bike, and 2 bike extension platform rack for 5+ years. Our racks take a beating as kids race all over country and go to practice 3X/week, loaded w/all 4. I also need rack to sometimes go on the back of Subaru Outback and Honda CRV w/the smaller hitches and sometimes go on the back of a Subaru Ascent w/larger hitches. We have hitch adapters. What do you recommend? I saw that the Inno could possibly be backordered, and frankly all the plastic parts on it scare me. I also saw that I thought I wanted the Saris Swag 4, but you dont have all the parts to make it a 4 Bike?? Ugh. I know that this Inno would be simple to use as I am familiar with Up racks from our team. Hmmmm.....can you please advise me on the best rack. We will keep it for basically 4-ever, but I am in a pickle this summer trying to get all these bikes to practice/races, etc. Please help. Please advise, Thanks, Kara Ferrell

asked by: Kara F

Expert Reply:

Anytime you use a hitch adapter with a hitch bike rack you reduce the maximum tongue weight of your hitch receiver by 50%. Now that will not be a problem with most 2" hitch receivers but it can come into play with your 1 1/4" hitch receiver. For example, if the maximum tongue weight is 200lbs adding the hitch adapter will reduce your maximum tongue weight to 100lbs. I recommend checking the maximum tongue weights on your hitch receivers.

If weight is not an issue I think the Inno Tire Hold 4 Bike Platform Rack - 2" Hitches - Tilting, part # INH142, will be an excellent option. The rack itself weighs 118lbs, but it can hold your bikes without making contact with the carbon fiber frames of your bikes. The rack can be tilted downward, even when in use, so you can access the rear of your vehicle. It comes with a handle on the front of the rack providing ease of use. It has an anti-rattle hitch pin and lock to eliminate movement between your rack and the hitch receiver while securing the rack to your vehicle. You can also lock the bikes to your rack with the included cables. My only concern with you using this rack will occur when you use the adapter.

I have included product description links and a video review link below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith