3-Bike Hitch-Mount Bike Rack Recommendation for 2013 Nissan Sentra  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Your 2013 Nissan Sentra can be equipped with a Class I hitch, and the link provided will show you all three brands and models that we offer. All have the same 1-1/4-inch receiver size and the same 200-lb tongue weight capacity.

Unfortunately you will not be able to transport three bikes on any of these hitches. Class I hitch receivers are limited to carrying only 2 bicycles. This is due to the forces the loaded rack will impose on the hitch and the vehicle frame where the hitch attaches. The vehicle frame is simply not strong enough to allow use of a larger-capacity hitch and rack. The linked article concerning hitch bike racks offers details about the capacity of Class I hitch-mount bike racks.

For reference I have linked you to a page that will show you all 2-bike Class I hitch-mount hanging-style racks that will work in the hitch on your Sentra.

Trunk-mount carriers are also not going to provide you with an ideal solution for 3 bikes. The sheet metal on your Sentra trunk is not strong enough in the opinions of several prominent rack manufacturers (Thule and Yakima) for use of any trunk-mount rack.

However, Thule does offer a 3-bike trunk-mount rack that they consider to be a suitable fit on your Sentra with rear spoiler, their Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount, Item # TH911XT. I have linked an installation video. This is a lightweight carrier (at 10.8-lbs) and if your bikes happen to be modest in weight, say for example if two of the three are small kids bikes, then you may be able to use this carrier without issue. You need to keep in mind that your car trunk was not designed to bear weight and the advisability of using a trunk rack will depend on the nature (and weight) of the 3 bikes you will transport. For any trunk rack we always suggest ensuring the carrier and vehicle are clean to avoid the potential for trapped grit from scratching the paint finish.

Another option, although at a higher overall investment, is to install a roof rack and use 3 roof-mount bike carriers. A cost-effective roof rack we offer for your 2013 Sentra is the Rhino-Rack system consisting of parts # RRVA118B-2, # RRRLKVA, and # DK369. With this rack in place on your roof you can then install your choice of 3 individual bike carriers.

We offer several types including the fork-mount variety that require the front wheel be removed as well as frame-mount and wheel-mount types that do not. The link provided will let you see all roof-mount carriers that will fit on the square crossbars of the Thule roof rack. You can use the filters at the top of the page to narrow the results shown to the type of carrier you prefer.

Keep in mind that your Sentra has a maximum roof weight load (shown in your owners manual or available from your local dealership) that you cannot exceed. You need to add the weight of the bikes, the bike carriers you choose and the weight of the roof rack to ensure this total remains within the vehicles capacity.

Two linked articles on bike racks may offer you some useful guidance as you consider these various options.

expert reply by: Adam R

0