Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack Recommendations for a 2006 Toyota Matrix  

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There are Class I and II trailer hitches available for your 2006 Toyota Matrix. With a Class I hitch you are limited to just 2 bikes. With a Class II you can carry up to 4 safely.

The Class II hitches available, # C12013 for XR and XRS models and # C12221 for all other models, also require the use of a stabilization strap, # 18050, for the Curt warranty requirements. Still this is the best way to go if you want to carry more than 2 bikes.

Platform style racks are great because they can carry many different bike styles. The down side is that they are heavy and take up more space than traditional hanging racks.

Since the tongue weight capacity of the hitches is 250 pounds, I recommend sticking with a hanging rack since they are lighter and take up less space.

Also, since the Matrix has a rear hatch that opens, you may be interested in a rack that can tilt out of the way and allow you access to the rear of the vehicle. Based on the criteria I recommend the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR.

This rack will fit a 1-1/4 inch Class II trailer hitch, it holds 4 bikes, and you can tilt the rack out with the bikes still loaded to open the rear hatch. I have linked a video showing how it works.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wife's bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my son's bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H

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