How Many Kuat Piston KU32VR Roof Mounted Bike Racks Can Be Installed On The Roof Of My Vehicle?

Question:

Hi, I purchased the roof rack listed below for my new 2023 BMW X5 with the flush rail things. I just finished the install, which was quick and easy, but now I am wanting to get a couple roof rack mounted bike racks. Specifically 3 of them. My wife, son, and I are training to do a family Iron Man race and our road bikes are light and pretty easy to lift. I can't put a hitch on as this is a leased vehicle so the roof is the only option. I like the look of the Kuat Piston SR Roof Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Wheel Mount - Aluminum Item # KU32VR. Especially since all 3 of the bikes are carbon fiber. Basically what I am asking, can I mount 3 on the roof bars and is this safe to do? Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2 - RRVA137B-2 Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Flush Factory Side Rails - Qty 4 - RRSX026

asked by: Marcos

Expert Reply:

The short answer to your question is, probably. I mean a couple things by that.

First, the Rhino Rack roof rack set up you have is rated up to 165 pounds and the Kuat Piston # KU32VR bike racks (which is a great option for a carbon fiber bike since it doesn't touch the frame) weigh around 25 pounds a piece. This would leave 90 pounds of capacity left for your bikes. That said, carbon fiber road bikes should be well under 30 pounds per bike so this really shouldn't be an issue, but it is something to check and make sure.

The other thing would be the width. You will need space between the bikes and the 54" crossbars that came with the roof rack you ordered should allow three of these to be mounted without issues. However, in most states (check your local laws to be sure), nothing can extend past the side view mirrors on any given vehicle. So basically, as long as the handlebars on the two outside mounted bikes do not extend out past your mirrors, you are good to go. Again, with road bikes this shouldn't be an issue, but it is definitely something to be aware of. Especially if you guys ever decide to do any off-road triathlons in the future as they would require mountain bikes that tend to have wider handlebars.

expert reply by: Lazer S