Hitch and 4 Bike Recommendation for a 2003 Toyota Matrix

Question:

Hi, Im looking to upgrade our current 3 bike Swagman single-arm original rack to a 4 bike rack. Our 2003 Toyota Matrix currently has a Class I hitch with 1-1/4inch receiver installed. As weve been very happy with our Swagman rack am looking at the Swagman 64445 folding 4-bike rack, but am open to ideas on similar if recommended. Am finding conflicting information on what class of hitch and what racks / total # of bikes are possible/recommended/allowed/safe etc. Questions Want to carry 4 bikes - currently 2 adult and 2 childrens. Is this okay as long as total weight is under the tongue weight limit of both the rack and the car? Looks like Toyota suggests a 200lb TWL for the 2003 matrix. Have seen lots written on only 2 or 3 bikes for a Class I hitch but is it the weight that really matters? Should we upgrade to a Class II hitch, and if so what receiver size and what make/model would be recommended. Also wondering about where to get this installed. Does a bike rack support strap help matters on the weight/safety/stability? Have seen the Curt #18050 mentioned. Thoughts? Can you advise? Thanks!

asked by: Simon

Expert Reply:

To carry more than 2 bikes with your 2003 Toyota Matrix you will need to upgrade your hitch to a Class II hitch like the Curt Hitch part # C12013. Class I hitches are limited to only carrying 2 bikes, any more than that and the location of the additional bikes would cause excessive leverage on the hitch and could potentially damage it.

The Swagman Original 4 Bike rack part # S64400 would not work for you as it is designed for 2 inch hitches. The Thule Hitching Post part # TH934XTR would be an excellent choice as it would work with a 1-1/4 inch hitch and has many great features like a tilting mast, anti-rattle hitch pin, and anti-sway cradles to minimize contact between loaded bikes. I attached a review video for this rack for you to check out.

If you plan on carrying any womens or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Swagman Easy-Out Women's and Alternative Frame Bike Adapter # 64005 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.

Curt says that all non-trailer loads - bike racks, cargo carriers and so forth - should be supported with stabilizing straps. Failure to properly support these loads will void your hitch warranty from Curt. For that you would want the part # 18050. Check out the review video I attached for this product as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C