What Are Inexpensive Bike Rack Options for a 2003 Toyota Highlander

Question:

we have a toyota highlander 2003. I am looking for an inexpensive bike rack if there is such an item that will handle one bike..Would you please advise me of what will fit and which racks are available.. thank you

asked by: Scott C

Expert Reply:

Depending on how your 2003 Toyota Highlander is equipped you can potentially choose from trailer hitch-mount, trunk-mount and roof rack-mount bike carriers. Generally the most cost-effective type is the trunk-mount variety. Roof rack types are available in single-bike capacity but the smallest hitch and trunk bike carriers are capable of transporting 2 bikes. You can put one bike on a 2-bike rack. It works fine.

The link provided will show you all trunk-mount 2-bike carriers suitable for your Highlander. Among these the most cost-effective is the Express 3 from Hollywood Racks, part # HRE3, which is intended for vehicles without spoilers. Note that rear wipers cannot be used when a trunk-mount bike carrier is installed.

If your Highlander is equipped with a trailer hitch receiver you can use a hitch-mount carrier. This type allows use of the rear wiper. Since your Highlander can be equipped with either a 1-1/4-inch or 2-inch hitch receiver I have included a link to 2-bike carriers that can fit either hitch size. You can use the filter at the top of the page to select between the two types of hitch-mount carriers, the hanging type and the platform type. Hanging carriers suspend bikes by their frames while platform carriers primarily support the bikes at their wheels.

Swagman offers their Titan 2 hanging carrier, part # S63400, which holds one or two bikes, has folding arms and a tilting mast to allow better access to the vehicle rear cargo area.

Roof-mount bike carriers require that you have a roof rack on your Highlander. I have provided a link to our page for roof racks for the 2003 Highlander; here you can select the type of roof on your vehicle and review available roof rack systems as well as single-bike carriers that can mount to such rack systems.

As you move up in price point you will find other carriers that offer additional features, such as included locks, sturdier construction, and composition of light-weight aluminum rather than steel.

To help you decide which type best suits you I have linked two articles concerning bike carriers.