Carrying 5 Bikes Using a Trailer hitch Mount Bike Rack on a 2011 Mercedes GL 350
Question:
I have a 2011 Mercedes GL 350 diesel. I cant find the hitch size in the manual or online. Im getting the impression it is 2inch from your website but dont want to purchase a rack until Im sure. We have 1 mountain bike, 2 cruisers and 2 kids bikes for a 12 year old and 7 year old. can this rack handle them all? Thank you!!
asked by: Vanessa W
Helpful Expert Reply:
You do likely have a 2 inch trailer hitch on your 2011 Mercedes GL350. To be sure, just measure the receiver opening width. Just measure the opening, not the overall width.
The Apex XT 5 bike rack # TH9026XT is a great option. Carrying 5 bikes can be difficult, even on a rack designed for 5 bikes. The Thule Apex XT has 7 inches of spacing between the cradles for each bike giving you plenty of space to load them. It also holds the bikes at 3 locations keeping them from swaying back and forth and making conact with each other or your Mercedes.
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 5 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 5 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
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