What Do You Recommend for Transporting 4 Bikes on a 2017 Mazda 6?

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Question:

Hi Everyone, I would like to carry 4 bikes: two adult bikes and two kid bikes. We have a 2016 Mazda 6. Is it reasonable to mount all four bikes on a hitch on a Mazda 6? I do not see examples of this setup on the roads or interwebs. Technically it seems possible with a 2 inch Ecohitch and a 4-bike Thule rack. Is this a crazy idea? Would the handling of the car be excessively compromised with ~100 lbs hanging off the back? What do you think? Thanks, James

asked by: James A

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Expert Reply:

One of the things to consider when transporting 4 bikes on your 2016 Mazda 6 is the tongue capacity rating of your vehicle. This is usually found in your owner's manual.

If you discover that the combined weight of 2 adult bikes and 2 kid bikes will not exceed the tongue rating of the vehicle, it is important to see if the combined weight of the bikes will be safe to transport with the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # 306-X7301. With that particular hitch, you have a maximum weight capacity limit of 300 pounds.

With that being said, we do carry hitch racks that are designed for 4 bikes. For a lightweight option, I recommend the Thule Hitching Post Pro 4 Bike Carrier # TH934XTR. The Hitching Post Pro has a carrier weight around 38lbs. With the 35-pound per-bike weight capacity, it will be enough to hold 2 normal-style adult bikes with 2 children's bikes under the 300 pound maximum tongue capacity of the EcoHitch.

For your children's bikes and for any women's bike you transport, you will need a Malone Bike Adapter Bar for Women's, Children's, and Alternative Frame Bikes # MPG2165 for each children's/women's bike you plan to transport. For extra security for both your rack and your bikes, I recommend the Snug Tite Hitch Lock # THSTL2 and the Thule Cable Lock w/ One Key System Lock - 6' Long # TH538XT.

expert reply by: Bob C

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Answer 1

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 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 4

To me it makes the most sense to put a Bike Rack #HLY64FR on the flat towed vehicle rather than above the tow bars. Especially on heavy e-bikes as they are difficult to lift that high onto the rack, but also as it only makes sense to have the rack…

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Answer 5

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like…

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Answer 6

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 #SH22G and the NV 2.0 #NV22G that you referenced are both excellent platform-style racks that will hold your bikes by the front wheels with no frame contact. These are top-of-the-line carriers and you really would not go wrong…

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Answer 7

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion…

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Answer 8

There are some subtle difference between the Kuat Piston Pro Bike Rack for 2 Bikes #KU76ZR and the Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack for 2 Bikes #KU98VR. Overall the two racks are very similar, there are just some subtle differences/upgrades on the…

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Answer 9

Hey Dave, so the best option for carrying your carbon frame bike and e-bike is the Swagman Escapee part #S39SR with the ramp #S59SR . It has the capacity for carrying an e-bike, is rated for travel trailer use, only touches the bikes by the tires…

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Answer 10

As long as the flat tow wiring is wired in before the 4-Way #C93ZV and you connect the power for the converter directly to the battery it will work. I have seen several use Magnetic Lights #TL21RK which they will wire in on the main harness to have…

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Answer 11

When determine if you can fully open swing-out doors on your 2022 ProMaster 3500 with the Yakima EXO #Y34ZR, it really depends on how far your doors swing when in the open position. While the 90-degree swing has not been tested spcificially on a…

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Answer 12

You're welcome Chris! Sounds like you've more then got the hitch covered. I can not think of a better option then the TorkLift SuperHitch Magnum Trailer Hitch item #TL74FR. You will be able to pull anything and everything with this…

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What Do You Recommend for Transporting 4 Bikes on a 2017 Mazda 6?

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