Platform Bike Rack Recommendation for Best Ground Clearance

Question:

I have a 2006 Toyota Sienna minivan. I am looking for a 4-bike platform rack for a 2inch receiver. The inside bottom of the receiver is only 8.5 above the ground, and the old bike rack that Im replacing dragged often. The old hitch shown in the photos extends 17 inches behind the hitch pin, and probably sags a little. Im looking at the HR1400 Hollywood SE, SA4414B Saris Freedom, and S64691 Swagman Quad 2+2. Im concerned about damage to the bike tires and damage to the rack. The Saris and Swagman have cradles that should protect the tires, while the Hollywood has loops. Questions: which rack has the best ground clearance? Which racks will protect the bike tires? which racks are less vulnerable to damage from dragging. Any other recommendations? Thank You.

asked by: Gary

Helpful Expert Reply:

The rack that would give you the best ground clearance and bike wheel protection would be the Saris Freedom part # SA4414B. This rack has an angled shank that angles up soon after the shank exits the hitch opening. The bikes are also loaded higher and higher as you get further away from the back of the vehicle, whereas the other racks don't have that feature.

Where you will see ground clearance issue the most will be the portion of the rack that exits the hitch opening. On the # HR1400Z you will notice that portion of the rack comes straight out for a decent distance, whereas the # SA4414B angles up quickly from the hitch opening to give you maximum ground clearance. Check out the pic I attached and demo video that show this rack being used on a 2014 Toyota Sienna

expert reply by: Jameson C