Bike Carrying Options for 2012 Lexus RX450H
Question:
Car: I have roof rack cross bars but no towing equipment on my 2012 Lexus RX 450H. My preference: A hitch-mounted bike rack with trays / platform that I can transport multiple bikes on. Id also be open to a roof-rack mounted system for cost reasons. Can you please let me know what youd recommend and what the major trade-offs are between the two types of systems?
asked by: Chung
Expert Reply:
Beginning with a hitch, I would recommend the Draw-Tite part # 75676. The Swagman XTC-2 is a reasonably-priced platform-type rack that can carry up to two bikes. The rack is very highly rated by our customers. An anti-rattle threaded hitch pin is included, but an optional locking hitch pin/cable lock is also available as part # S64031.
For 4 bikes, Swagman offers the XTC-4, part # S64665. The hitch/cable lock is included.
Although a roof mounted bike rack like the Yakima front loader frame wheel mount would be a lesser expense, loading and unloading bikes from the roof of a vehicle can be challenging. If you use a fork mount, you will need to carry the front wheels in the vehicle.
I would recommend the hitch mounted system. In addition to carrying a bike rack, the hitch can also be used for towing if the need should arise or for other hitch mounted accessories such as a cargo carrier.
I have also linked you to some product demonstration videos that you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable for Swagman Bike Racks w/ 1-1/4" & Combo Shanks - 7'
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Rack Specific Locks
- Keyed Unique
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Threaded Pin
- For Swagman Racks
- 2-3/4 Inch Span
- Swagman
more information >
Swagman XTC4 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Yakima FrontLoader Wheel Mount Bike Carrier - Roof Mount
- Roof Bike Racks
- Wheel Mount
- 15mm Fork
- 15mm Thru-Axle
- 20mm Thru-Axle
- 5mm Fork
- 9mm Fork
- 9mm Thru-Axle
- Bike Lock
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Quick
- Black
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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