Options For Carrying 3 Bikes On 2012 Nissan Juke

Question:

I am wanting to get the best possible bike rack for my 2012 Nissan Juke. Last year I purchased a hitch from etrailer for my Juke it was a Class I 1-1/4inch hitch. - 1 Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch W/drawbar - Class I - 1-1/4 I have been looking into the hitch mounted bike racks and I would honestly like to purchase one that might allow me access to the hatchback on my car without removing our 3 bikes from the rack. Can you help me to find one that might allow this? please direct me to which would be best suited for carrying 3 adult mountian bikes. Thank you for your help!

asked by: Jessica L

Expert Reply:

Since the Class l hitch is installed on your 2012 Nissan Juke, there are limits concerning how many bikes can be carried on your hitch. Class l hitches are only able to handle bike carriers with a maximum of 2 bikes. Unfortunately, you aren't able to carry three bikes on a hitch mounted rack, but I may have an option for you.

I recommend the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Platform Style Bike Rack, part # SH12G. This rack tilts rearward to allow you room to access your rear cargo area. It holds two bikes and weighs just 32 lbs and has a capacity of 40 lbs per bike. It can fit wheel sizes from 25 to 29 inch. I have attached a video that shows this carrier installed on a Nissan Murano.

An option for your third bike you may wish to consider is either a roof rack with a bike carrier attached, or a trunk mounted carrier which would certainly inhibit your ability to open the rear hatch with a bike loaded.

The roof rack I recommend for your Juke is the SportRack Semi-Custom Roof Rack for Naked Roofs, part # SR1010. The SportRack roof rack has square steel crossbars that are compatible with most roof mount accessories. The roof mounted bike rack i recommend is the Upright Roof Bike Carrier, part # S64720. This fits bikes with wheels up to 3 inches wide and bikes with a wheelbase up to 54 inches.

You said you wanted access to the rear cargo area of your Juke, and unfortunately with the limited capacity of the hitch you may wish to reconsider and choose a trunk mounted carrier like the Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier, part # TH911XT. This carrier uses the patented Fit Dial system to ensure you get a proper fit on your Juke. It does have a weight capacity of 105 lbs.

For any bikes with alternative bike frames like womens bikes or kids bikes I recommend an adapter bar like part # TH982XT. This attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem and provides a more level and safe transport of your bikes.